Staff flee to safe room during Papakura supermarket rampage
Staff at a Papakura supermarket retreated to a safe room after a man allegedly smashed the store’s windows with a metal pole early today.
Police received reports about 1.45am of a man carrying a large metal pole on Great South Rd in South Auckland.
Counties Manukau South area prevention manager Inspector Matt Hoyes said the man allegedly caused significant damage with the pole.
“Thankfully, staff inside the store were able [to] retreat to a safe room and no one was injured,” he said.
Police found the man on the premises. However, he fled on foot, ignoring instructions to drop the pole.
“A short foot pursuit ensued, with staff apprehending the male nearby on Great South Rd,” Hoyes said.
Hoyes said the man had been linked to damage at O’Shannessey St premises earlier that night.
A 38-year-old man is due in the Manukau District Court today charged with burglary, resisting police and two counts of wilful damage.
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
Get the iHeart App
Get more of the radio, music and podcasts you love with the FREE iHeart app. Scan the QR code to download now.
Download from the app stores
Stream unlimited music, thousands of radio stations and podcasts all in one app. iHeart is easy to use and all FREE
