The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

A WANTED suspect is now in police custody in connection with Monday’s armed robbery of Super Value food store on Blue Hill Road, police said yesterday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said that the suspect, whose name has been withheld, turned himself in to police on Tuesday and is now being quizzed in connection with a number of armed robberies, inclusive of Monday’s brazen robbery of the popular supermarket.

The incident in question happened around 12.30pm on Monday as patrons and employees milled about the popular grocery store.

According to Chief Superintendent Fernander, acting officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, a gunman came in and held up a cashier and a number of shoppers. The gunman robbed one cashier of an undetermined amount of money and tried to rob other cash registers.

However, as the gunman entered and approached the first cashier, the other cashiers fled to the back of the store, making it impossible for the man to gain access to the other registers, Chief Supt Fernander said.

A second suspect served as a look out while this occurred, darting in and out of the store during the robbery, police said.

Chief Supt Fernander said both suspects, after obtaining cash, fled on foot in a northern direction on Blue Hill Road and “disappeared” into the Englerston constituency.

Although police have not confirmed how much was stolen, The Tribune understands that less than $400 was taken from the register.

Shortly after the incident, Chief Supt Fernander said police were very concerned about the “bold” armed robbery, and would “aggressively” pursue the two suspects involved.