Nahom Tesfalem Yacob: Teen fronts court after Siganto Drive, Helensvale tobacco shop fire
An alleged arsonist has been identified after the glass door of a tobacconist was broken and set on fire. Watch the video.
Police & Courts
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A teenager has been charged with arson after allegedly breaking a tobacconist window and trying to set it on fire.
One of the teens police believe to be behind the arson of a Gold Coast tobacconist has been identified.
Nahom Tesfalem Yacob, a 19-year-old Inala man, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with wilful damage and arson.
The charges come after the Tobacco Shed in Helensvale was set on fire earlier this month.
It was the accused’s first appearance since the incident.
The court heard Yacob was applying for Legal Aid, and the matter was adjourned until late February.
It is not yet clear how the teen will plead.
January 4: Police charge man after Siganto Drive, Helensvale tobacco shop was set on fire
Police have charged an 19-year-old Inala man over the January 3 fire at the Tobacco Shed in Helensvale.
It is alleged the teenager and two others went to the shop about 10.45pm on January 3, smashed a hole the door with bats before shoving a piece of cloth into the door and setting it on fire.
Police charged the man with arson and wilful damage.
He was granted bail and will appear in Southport Magistrates Court on January 24.
January 4: Cops hunt trio after firebomb at tobacco shop
Police are on the hunt for a trio armed with baseball bats who broke into a Gold Coast business and set it on fire.
At 10.45pm on Tuesday night, three men wearing hoodies and masks smashed their way through glass doors with baseball bats at the Tobacco Shed on Siganto Dr, Helensvale.
A fire using accelerant was then ignited inside the business.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and the blaze was quickly extinguished.
No damage was caused to surrounding businesses but the business targeted has substantial smoke damage.
The incident was captured on CCTV.
The footage shows three teens using the bats to make a hole in the glass and the tipping accelerant on the glass door.
The trio then inserts a cloth into the hole and lights the door, creating a fireball.
Police allege the men fled in a white vehicle north along the Pacific Motorway.
The men are described as having dark complexions and all had their faces concealed.
One man was wearing a light and dark blue patterned buttoned short sleeved shirt with black ripped jeans and bright red running shoes.
A second man was wearing a black hoodie and black pants with a white t-shirt beneath and black dress shoes.
The third man was wearing a grey hoodie with black shorts. He has black hair.
The Bulletin visited the Tobacco Shed on Wednesday morning where staff were cleaning the small shop and there was a strong smell of smoke.
A sign written on a folding whiteboard read: “Yes we are still open. No EFTPOS available. Sorry. Cash only.”
When staff were asked about the break-in they denied it had happened.
When asked about the fire they declined to comment.
A white rag was seen on the footpath near a burn mark and the black and yellow sign appeared charred.
There was no glass in the doorframe which was also charred.
Police are appealing for any witnesses, anyone with footage or who know the alleged offenders to come forward via Policelink or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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