Police make arrest over armed robbery in Smithfield, QLD

North Queensland detectives have charged a 33-year-old Brisbane man after the alleged armed robbery of a woman in Cairns on Monday night (January 6).

Police allege a car has collided with the rear of the woman’s vehicle as she was leaving a Smithfield shopping centre on Cattana Road in Smithfield around 8.30pm.

The woman got out of her car, where she was approached by a man from the second vehicle.

The man who was allegedly armed with a knife demanded her car keys and then entered her car before driving south along Mount Millman Drive.

The female driver of the second vehicle was seen driving off in the same direction.

The woman was not injured and was able to flag down a passing motorist.

Police located the second vehicle abandoned on the Captain Cook Highway south of Smithfield.

Police noticed the allegedly stolen vehicle travelling inbound on the Bruce Highway at Woree in the early hours of this morning.

Officers successfully deployed a tyre deflation device and the vehicle was intercepted near Barr Street at Earlville.

The 33-year-old male driver was arrested at the scene and has subsequently been charged.

He has been charged with armed robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

The man is scheduled to reappear in the Cairns Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.

Investigations into the incident are continuing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

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