Teen, 17 charged over string of Gladstone armed robberies

The teenage suspect in two armed robberies has been charged following a string of terrifying daylight robberies in Central Queensland.

Subway Clinton

Police have charged a 17-year-old boy in relation to stealing offences, including two armed robberies in Gladstone on June 28 and July 4. It is alleged the teen also stole a quantity of liquor from a business on Shaw Street on June 23 and 27, and a business on the Dawson Highway in Kin Kora on June 24.

The charges follow two incidents where a knife, believed to be a hocho, was used to hold up a taxi driver and teen Subway worker.

According to police, a male taxi driver was stopped at a shopping centre taxi rank at the Avion Centre, Shaw St on June 28 when about 1.40pm, an unknown offender entered the vehicle, threatened the driver with a knife and demanded money.

The driver, who was uninjured, handed over a sum of cash and the robber fled on foot.

On Tuesday July 4, a male entered Subway on Chapman Dr, Clinton, around 4.20pm and threatened the female teen staff member before taking cash from the register and fleeing.

Subway is located in the Chapman Plaza, Clinton

No one was physically injured in the incident.

Speaking the day after the harrowing incident, neighbouring business owner Aarin Williams of Golden Chicken Gladstone said a similar event happened 10 years ago at his store.

“We’re very sympathetic to the staff at Subway Clinton. We just hope that everyone who was involved is all right,” he said.

Kim and Tony Curd – Kandy Couture.

Kandy Couture owner Kim Curd was at her shop next door when the armed robbery unfolded.

She said it left her feeling scared for herself and her staff.

“It’s generated a lot of anxiety; they’re right next door, and you just think that ‘it could have been us’,” she said.

Police are now investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV.

No arrests or charges have been made at this stage.

The Subway store remains open for business.

“The safety of restaurant staff and guests is our utmost priority,” A Subway spokesman said.

“Restaurant staff and management are assisting police with their investigations to ensure a full and thorough investigation of the incident takes place.”

The 17-year-old boy has been charged with two counts each of armed robbery, three counts of stealing and one count of enter with intent.

He is due to appear at Gladstone Children’s Court at a later date.