A man who allegedly assaulted a 76-year-old woman, and was involved in a series of other assaults, thefts and criminal damage in Darwin this week, is still on the run, although police said they have identified him, they have not provided a description of him, in apparent contravention of the their transparency guidelines.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dale Motter-Barnard said in a statement that on December 18, a 20-year-old man and another male co-offender, were allegedly involved in multiple violent attacks between 6:30pm and 10pm in the northern suburbs.

He said the pair assaulted the 76-year-old woman as they attempted to steal her vehicle before fleeing the scene. Police did not say if the woman was injured.

They were allegedly involved in theft and criminal damage at supermarkets in Nightcliff, and a business on Bagot Rd, Snr Sgt Motter-Barnard said, as well as assaults and thefts in Ferntree St and Progress Drive, Nightcliff and Dick Ward Drive, Coconut Grove.

Police made no mention of other assault victims or indicated how many there were.

Snr Sgt Motter-Barnard said the 20-year-old was arrested at a Ludmilla house and has since been charged with two counts each of assault with intent to steal, theft, and damage to property, and one count each of trespassing on an enclosed premises, being armed with offensive weapon, aggravated assault, use of a motor vehicle without consent, and breach of bail. He was remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court today.

Police said they were still looking for the other man who they have identified but did not give the public a description for unspecified reasons.

The NT Police transparency guidelines state matters fitting specific criteria are “proactively considered for public release”.

That includes the timely release of information about significant events of likely public interest, serious incidents such as serious assaults, public safety concerns, and significant arrests, charges and court dates.

During an interview on Mix 104.9 last week defending why police had not made public the rape of a seven-year-old girl in Tennant Creek Acting Assistant Commissioner Matt Hollamby said public safety was the number one reason why police would provide information to the public.

“Look, we released what we think should be released. You know, some people may have a different view on that but, again, it’s [media releases] about public safety. It’s about calling for witnesses and support. And it’s [media releases] about keeping the public informed of what they reasonably should know about,” he said.