A teenager has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged random attack on three people in the northern Canberra suburb of Palmerston on Friday night.
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An 83-year-old man is in hospital with critical injuries after the incident, which police said left another two people injured as well.
They said they responded to a call for help about 10.15pm Friday, and the 17-year-old boy "engaged police".
Officers used capsicum spray in their attempts to restrain him.
"Police will allege the boy randomly attacked the three individuals in their vehicle as they arrived at a residence in Tamborine Close," police said in a statement.
"Three victims were identified - including an 83-year-old man with critical injuries. All three were transported to hospital as well as the 17-year-old boy."
On Monday, the ACT Children's Court convened at Canberra hospital for a bedside hearing.
Magistrate Robert Cook charged the teenager, who cannot be named because he is under 18, with attempted murder as well as assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threat to kill, property damage, intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and resisting police.
He did not enter pleas.
The teenager did not apply for bail, and bail was formally refused.
It's understood the teenager will be discharged from hospital on Monday.
The case is next due in court on April 8.
