‘I was just shocked’: 13 yo boy accused of stabbing Coles worker in terrifying incident

Incidents at everyday locations can sometimes take a shocking turn, leaving communities grappling with questions about safety and security.

What started as a seemingly ordinary day in southeast Queensland soon became the centre of a deeply distressing event.

The aftermath has sparked widespread concern and a closer look at the circumstances surrounding this troubling occurrence.


A 13-year-old boy faced charges of attempted murder after a 63-year-old Coles employee was allegedly stabbed at a supermarket in Queensland’s southeast.


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Shopping centre attack leaves woman critical. Image source: 7NEWS


Emergency services responded to an incident at Yamanto Central near Warwick Rd around 5.25 pm on Monday after reports of a woman with stab wounds.

Authorities alleged the boy approached a Coles staff member before allegedly attacking her with a knife.

The teenager fled the scene, but bystanders reportedly managed to detain him before police arrived.


Upon arrival, officers found the 63-year-old woman with a serious back injury.

It was understood that the woman was employed at the Coles store.

She was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition.


As of 14 January morning, she remained in critical condition.

The 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder and was set to appear in Ipswich Children’s Court on 21 January.

A Coles spokeswoman expressed gratitude to emergency services and confirmed the company was assisting with the investigation.


‘Our thoughts are with our store team member and their family after the distressing incident that occurred on 13 January,’ the spokeswoman said.

‘We are committed to providing them with support, as well as their colleagues who are being offered counselling during this difficult time.’

‘The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority.’


A witness described the moment the boy was chased through the shopping centre following the alleged attack.

‘The next thing he was sprinting, there was like 15 people chasing after him and he was walked out in cuffs and everything … I was just shocked because he was so little,’ they told media.

Other witnesses said the boy appeared as young as 10 and was wearing a Disney T-shirt at the time.

Police urged anyone with information, video footage, or witness accounts to come forward.

Key Takeaways
  • A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 63-year-old Coles worker in a southeast Queensland shopping centre.
  • The victim, an employee at the Coles, sustained a serious back injury and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition.
  • The boy fled the scene but was reportedly detained by bystanders before police arrived.
  • Coles confirmed they are supporting the victim, her colleagues, and the police investigation, while witnesses described the shocking incident.

As the investigation unfolds, this shocking incident leaves many wondering—how can public spaces ensure the safety of everyone, from employees to everyday shoppers?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
 

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Yes, I realise that, but it does not preclude mental condition. In the case of the child being 13, I suspect he has not had the opportunity to be assessed for mental health - therefore not diagnosed or medicated.
Being 13 years of age does not preclude a child from a mental health assessment. I have accompanied an eight year girl with associated intellectual disabilities with her parents to such an assessment. Mental health issues do not discriminate due to age.
OMG!!! This is all conjecture isn’t it? Sheer speculation! My opinion was that no normal person does such a thing, therefore as far as I am concerned, there is some underlying reason for such behaviour. Of course if the child has parents who did in fact take him for assessment it would happen…but did they?…we don’t know. Now, go bark at the moon
 
OMG!!! This is all conjecture isn’t it? Sheer speculation! My opinion was that no normal person does such a thing, therefore as far as I am concerned, there is some underlying reason for such behaviour. Of course if the child has parents who did in fact take him for assessment it would happen…but did they?…we don’t know. Now, go bark at the moon
Back to you!\

 
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Why the cottonwool treatment of your grandson? As a 10 year old only child, I was "home alone" on many occasions while my parents went out socialising. In addition, I was able to access the Sydney CBD alone checking out record stores, stationery suppliers, the Australian Museum on College Street and philately shops. That was in 1969.

On the subject of child independence, I wrote a piece last year on the subject of "duty of care" versus "dignity of risk" for my Law and Ethics studies last year. If you would like more information, just ask!!
Yes you are talking 1969 not now. I too was left at home alone looking after my sisters when I was 10, started work at 15 and went on public transport to the city and home each day. I have an 11yo granddaughter and no way in hell will her parents or me allow her to go to shopping centers or on public transport on her own or with friends. Not with what is happening all around us these days. It called looked after your children!!!!!!
 

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