According to various media reports, police were called in Tweed Heads after a man allegedly entered a jewellery store with a bottle containing fuel, which he poured onto the counter of the shop before demanding jewellery and cash.
The suspect fled the store with jewellery and cash without a fire being lit, and no injuries have been reported from the incident.
The suspect was pursued by members of the public, including two off-duty police officers, who arrested him as he attempted to enter a vehicle being driven by a woman.
The 28-year-old man has been charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon. Jordan Gelbart was one of the bystanders who chased the suspect. In an interview, he said it was fortunate that no one was harmed.
“I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. So when he made an exit, that’s when I decided, we’ve got to go after this guy,” he told 9News.
“He had a look behind, saw me, saw me chasing him; I tried to sound as intimidating as possible. I had some serious luck. Two undercover police officers pulled up, sort of wedged him between a little bit of a ditch, and that’s when they detained and arrested him.”
NSW Police are searching for a woman believed to be an accomplice. She was last seen driving away from the scene in a red Hyundai i30.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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