Two people were arrested shortly before 8.30pm last night by Canterbury Police officers investigating the alleged aggravated robbery of the Timaru Post and Gift Shop at 4.45pm and the BP Petrol Station in Fairlie at around 7.10pm yesterday (18 February 2015).
A 26 year old local Timaru man has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, using a firearm against a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, two counts of assaulting a police officer, assault on a civilian and drink driving. A 22 year old local woman has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery. They are both due to appear in Timaru District Court today (19 February 2015).
Rural Area Commander, Inspector Dave Gaskin, says “Police responded to reports of an alleged aggravated robbery of Timaru Post and Gift Shop by a man armed with a knife who had fled the scene on foot. A second alleged robbery was reported shortly after 7pm at the BP Petrol Station in Fairlie by a man of a similar description carrying a firearm. He is understood to have fled the scene in a vehicle.”
“Staff were deployed and cordons set up and as a result the vehicle was located a short time later in Totara Valley near Pleasant Point. When it was stopped by a Police officer the driver is reported to have got out of the vehicle, discharged a firearm towards the Police officer and driven off. The vehicle was followed at a distance by Police and both occupants were apprehended by Canterbury Police AOS and an AOS dog and handler without further incident” explained Inspector Gaskin.
“No members of the public or Police officers were injured during the robberies or the subsequent arrests. We would like to thank the members of the public for their patience while we worked to locate and arrest offenders.”
Police investigations are continuing.
“Canterbury Police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious in their neighbourhood to report it to Police straight away. “ said Inspector Gaskin.
In an emergency always dial 111.
You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media please note – there will be a limited opportunity for telephone interviews to verbalise the release this morning. Please text the District Communications Manager on 021 942 404 if you would like a time allocated for you.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404