A woman will be appearing in court later today after a taxi driver was robbed at knifepoint.
The incident happened around 10.30 last night (Thursday, 15 April). The 48-year-old taxi driver picked up a man and a woman from Ihle Street in the Parkland area of Palmerston North.
They asked to be taken to Cascade Crescent in the Westbrook area on the far side of town. When the taxi driver was at, or near, the Cascade Crescent destination the woman pulled a knife and threatened him before stealing the driver's wallet and running off.
A female member of the public tried to intervene but the woman also got away from her. In the meantime the taxi company had called the Police and a short time later a 32-year-old Palmerston North woman was arrested in the area and the wallet and contents were recovered.
The driver was shaken but otherwise unharmed.
The woman will appear before Palmerston North District later today charged with aggravated robbery. The male fare has been identified by Police and spoken to. There is no evidence to support any charges against him.
Police today will interview the victim and potential witnesses in the Westbrook area. Searches will also be carried out to try to locate the knife used.
Anyone with any information about this robbery is asked to contact Palmerston North Criminal Investigation Branch on 06 351 3600. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.