Banyule Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after an investigation spanning two years following an attempted armed robbery in Hurstbridge in 2024.
It is alleged a male offender arrived at the milk bar on Heidelberg-Kinglake Road on an electric scooter about 7.20am on Sunday, 24 November 2024.
The man allegedly entered the store and asked the staff member for a free can of an energy drink.
When she refused, he allegedly demanded cash and then used a large super-soaker, which was inside a laptop bag, to spray white paint on the woman and in the store.
The 34-year-old woman attempted to restrain the man, before he allegedly assaulted her and pulled down the shutter, trapping them both inside.
The woman sustained facial injuries and bruising and did not require hospital treatment.
Yesterday, detectives arrested a 33-year-old Altona North man, he was charged with attempted armed robbery, false imprisonment, recklessly cause injury and common law assault.
The man was remanded to appear at court on 13 November.
