Two off-duty Police officers in Nelson have arrested a robbery suspect, after recognising him as they walked through Richmond Mall.
The arrest happened on 23 October, following the robbery a month ago.
About 2pm on 18 September, a man entered a dairy on Salisbury Road armed with a weapon (not a firearm), and demanded money.
The fog cannon was activated and the man fled the store empty-handed.
Police at the time conducted a scene examination, and CCTV images were gained of the alleged offender prior to, and after, the offence.
The images were circulated amongst staff, which resulted in the off-duty officers recognising the suspect.
A 19-year-old is due to reappear in Nelson District Court on Tuesday, 14 November, on a charge of demanding to steal.
Officer in charge of the investigation, Constable Brett Kindley says: “We are fortunate that this type of offending is not common here in Nelson, and when it does occur, Police work hard to hold offenders to account and prevent further harm in the community.
“The owners and workers at the dairy were pleased to hear the alleged offender had been identified and arrested.”
