Update 3: Armed robbery, Twin Waters
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man who may be able to assist with enquires into the armed robbery of a pharmacy at Twin Waters yesterday.
Around 12.15pm, a man entered the Ocean Drive business and threatened three female staff members with a knife, before demanding they hand over a quantity of drugs.
After being handed the drugs, the man forced the women into the back of the store, sprayed them with liquid and left an item on the counter that was made to look like an explosive device.
The man then fled the scene on foot, and was last seen heading towards a nearby golf course.
Emergency services assisted the three women with preliminary medical treatment and other precautions including a wash-down, before they were transported to hospital for observation.
Chemical and air tests were completed, all of which came back clear.
It is believed that the liquid sprayed on the women was blue-coloured, possibly water-based, however this is not yet confirmed. They have not suffered any adverse physical affects from the incident.
Detective Inspector Dave Drinnen said police would like to speak to anybody who may have been at the Twin Waters Shopping Village around lunchtime.
“We have spoken a number of witnesses already and we’ve been able to establish that the man spent some time hanging around outside the pharmacy and a nearby doctor’s surgery before finally going in,” Detective Inspector Drinnen said.
“We understand the man had been outside for at least 40 minutes prior to the incident wearing a white protective suit and a hazmat mask.
“He claimed to have been spraying for fire ants when questioned about his bizarre behaviour.
“We’re asking anybody who may have seen a man acting suspiciously outside the shopping village to come forward.
“Perhaps you saw this man spraying the trees and grass outside? Or maybe you noticed him getting out of a vehicle and putting on his elaborate costume?
“Even if you don’t think the information you can provide is important, I’d still encourage you to come forward. Something that seems trivial to you might just be the key piece of information we’re looking for.”
The man is described as in his being 40s, Caucasian in appearance, of a slim build, with grey/brown hair and around 178cms tall.
He was wearing a white protective suit and a hazmat mask.
Investigations are continuing.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
