Wheelchair heroes block robbery
Published: June 8, 2007
A KNIFE-WIELDING teenager was arrested after two wheelchair-bound customers helped detain the boy inside a convenience store last night.
The 14-year-old boy, from upper-crust Vaucluse, allegedly threatened a shopkeeper with a 30cm knife and stole cash cigarettes and lollies, before he was locked inside the Randwick store as he tried to escape.
Police said two wheelchair-bound customers, who were inside as the robbery unfolded, blocked the boy’s path allowing the shopkeeper to activate an automatic lock.
He was arrested when police arrived minutes later, with the knife allegedly hidden down the front of his pants.
“The kid asked to get out, but has been distracted eating lollies,” said Inspector Eddie Bosch, from Maroubra police.
The teenager, charged with aggravated robbery and robbery, was refused bail and kept in custody overnight, following the foiled raid in Belmore Rd, about 5.30pm.
He was expected to face Bidura Childrens’ Court today.
Insp. Bosch today praised the actions of the two wheelchair-bound customers.
“It sounds like they knew there was something going on and have taken a certain amount of risk that turned out to be good for us and they have to be commended for that,” he said.
“But it’s not something we would encourage.
“It’s fortunate no one was hurt while they were in there.”
Insp. Bosch said the teenager was not previously known to police and was probably from a posh family.
“We don’t get too many kids from Vaucluse in robberies around here,” he said.
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