diff --git a/source/core/src/main/com/csse3200/game/components/tasks/bosstask/PatrickTask.java b/source/core/src/main/com/csse3200/game/components/tasks/bosstask/PatrickTask.java
index 9e41941dd..ee06a9d44 100644
--- a/source/core/src/main/com/csse3200/game/components/tasks/bosstask/PatrickTask.java
+++ b/source/core/src/main/com/csse3200/game/components/tasks/bosstask/PatrickTask.java
@@ -251,6 +251,10 @@ private void meleeAttack() {
         initialPos = patrick.getPosition();
         meleeTarget = ServiceLocator.getEntityService().getClosestEntityOfLayer(
                 patrick, PhysicsLayer.HUMANS);
+        // check if melee target exists
+        if (meleeTarget == null) {
+            return;
+        }
         teleport(meleeTarget.getPosition());
         meleeFlag = true;
     }