Alice Springs crime: Alleged Macca’s vandal in custody, awaiting charges, cops say
A man who allegedly smashed windows at an Alice Springs McDonald’s has been arrested.
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UPDATED - July 12: A man allegedly behind a meltdown at a Territory Macca’s – which caused about $50,000 worth of damage – is now in custody.
In a statement issued late on Friday, NT Police said they’d arrested a 22-year-old man in relation to damage caused on Tuesday morning at Alice Springs McDonald’s.
The man arrested in The Gap and taken into custody.
On Tuesday, Southern Watch Commander Andrew Dunne alleged a man had taken an iron bar to a number of windows at the Red Centre fast food establishment before fleeing in a silver Holden Commodore.
Seven windows were smashed, after the man was refused service at the drive through because he did not have enough money for his meal, Commander Dunne said.
No workers were injured, but they were left “shaken” and had locked themselves inside the eatery until police arrived, Commander Dunne said.
The 22-year-old man is expected to be charged with possessing a prohibited weapon, being armed with an offensive weapon, and causing damage to property.
$50k damage: Macca’s customer goes on iron bar wielding meltdown
July 8: NT Police are searching for a customer who caused $50,000 worth of damage at Alice Springs McDonald’s early on Tuesday morning.
Southern Watch Commander Andrew Dunne told this masthead police were first notified a man was smashing windows at the McDonald’s about 4am, leaving staff “shaken, but unharmed”.
Police’s understanding of the events are the man was refused service at the drive-through as he did not have enough money to pay for his meal.
The man then parked his silver Holden Commodore and grabbed an iron bar, before police allege he smashed “all shop front windows and the main entrance door”, Commander Dunne said.
The “shaken staff” locked themselves in the building and called police once the assault had ended, Commander Dunne said.
“Unfortunately the offender fled the scene prior to police’s arrival,” Commander Dunne said.
“He was driving a silver Holden Commodore.
“Initial reports are the damage is upwards of $50,000.
“Strike Force Viper have been briefed and we will hopefully be able to identify and arrest the offender swiftly.”
As of 6.30am Tuesday, an employee said the McDonald’s was open for “drive-through only”, with plans to open for dining “later this afternoon”.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact 131 444 and quote reference number P25182316.
A McDonald’s Australia spokeswoman said they would work with police on the matter.
“We are aware of the incident and are working closely with the police as they continue to investigate,” she said.
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Originally published as Alice Springs crime: Alleged Macca’s vandal in custody, awaiting charges, cops say
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