Alice Springs, Australia - Violent clashes erupted outside an Australian hospital after the arrest of a man suspected of murdering a 5-year-old girl. Jefferson Lewis was taken into custody late Thursday following a community sighting and an alleged assault.
Video footage shows a large crowd gathering outside Alice Springs Hospital, hurling projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole reported that Lewis was unconscious when officers arrived. Approximately 200 people turned on first responders. Several police vehicles were damaged, and multiple people, including emergency services personnel, were injured.
The victim, Kumanjayi Little Baby, was last seen being put to bed at an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs last Saturday. She had been missing for five days before her body was discovered.
Lewis was released from prison just six days before the girl's disappearance. He has been flown to Darwin and is in police custody, with charges expected soon. Forensic tests are ongoing to confirm the child's identity and cause of death.
Commissioner Dole described the hospital violence as unacceptable. The girl's mother expressed profound grief and thanked searchers. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro called the outcome devastating.