‘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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Omg why did this kid stab her. Why?
It makes me feel unsafe these days to go anywhere. So many standings , murders, car jacking. And kids just get a slap on the wrist.
What happened to do adult crime- do adult time ?
 
Are some people on SDC on a tape loop?

DO THE CRIME....DO ADULT TIME....ad infinitum!

Guess what? Go down the path of the gutless goonbags who witness a crime and just stare, take a video clip and DO NOTHING?

I am totally sick of the "do -gooders" who talk about shit and do NOTHING about it!
Yep, all talk, no action.
 
ABSOLUTELY AGREE! His parents should also be accountable for something as I know "some" parents have a difficult time with ADHD offsprings. I'm not siding with the little thugs parents, but we have to be careful where we point the bone. I do agree though that this "child" MUST be incarcerated as an ADULT and the parents made accountable somewhat.
How can you say the parents are liable? Kids get in with the wrong crowd and do things they normally wouldn't do because of the peer pressure. Also his background may have more to do with it, as we have a lot of people coming here from war torn countries where the children have seen nothing but violence as a way to solving problems. He is 13 and according to the law is capable of having criminal intent. Put yourself in the parents place, they may have no idea what their "little angel" gets up to when he leaves the house.
 
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Please tell me how or why, if a crime is a crime, an attempted murder by a child (which, if you're an adult, is regarded as a crime) is not a "crime" with which he can be charged? Instead, it seems that the laws have been cherry-picked to exclude this from the list -- or is it one of those "OOPS!" moments? No doubt about the mentalities of our politicians ...
 
you talk about walking around on your own at 10 and then you say that was 1969. I too walked to the oictures every Saturday on my own< but in those days if i did anything wrong i got a good belting from Dad, who had 6 daughters and was only 5ft1inch and i deserved it. What has happened to respect ?
 
How can you say the parents are liable? Kids get in with the wrong crowd and do things they normally wouldn't do because of the peer pressure. Also his background may have more to do with it, as we have a lot of people coming here from war torn countries where the children have seen nothing but violence as a way to solving problems. He is 13 and according to the law is capable of having criminal intent. Put yourself in the parents place, they may have no idea what their "little angel" gets up to when he leaves the house.
Maybe this kid was the wrong crowd, maybe he started it in the first place, someone did, why not him!
If he can do an adult crime then he can do adult time!
 
Doesn't matter who or what started it - there seems no doubt to me that there is mental illness behind this - far from normal.
 
The "mental health" card rears its ugly head yet again!

Show me a living human being who does not have some degree of "mental health" issues and I will show you the Tooth Fairy.
Some degree of 'mental health' cannot be compared to a 13 y/o stabbing a store worker in the back. That behaviour is way outside the lines. I can't imagine anyone would do this without a serious mental issue. Just my opinion.
 
Some degree of 'mental health' cannot be compared to a 13 y/o stabbing a store worker in the back. That behaviour is way outside the lines. I can't imagine anyone would do this without a serious mental issue. Just my opinion.
For the record, people with "mental health" issues are no more prone to committing a violent act than the "normal" population.

IF they are properly medicated. If a non medicated person with "mental health issues" has a co-morbidity problem with other substances, such as illicit drugs or alcohol, then all hell breaks loose.
 
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For the record, people with "mental health" issues are no more prone to committing a violent act than the "normal" population.

IF they are properly medicated. If a non medicated person with "mental health issues" has a co-morbidity problem with other substances, such as illicit drugs or alcohol, then all hell breaks loose.
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.
 
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