‘Dynamic and dangerous’: knife-wielding man capsicum sprayed after shopping centre escape
Police have revealed how a thug got hold of a hunting knife from an Aussie Disposals outlet before his terrifying daylight rampage through a nearby shopping centre.
South East
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A man who sparked a “dynamic and dangerous” police operation after he ran through Bayside Shopping Centre while brandishing a large hunting knife has been arrested.
Frankston Magistrates Court protective services officers used capsicum spray to subdue the man when the dramatic chase in front of stunned onlookers was concluded just after 2.30pm on June 11.
It’s alleged the man, 33, walked into the Beach St Aussie Disposals store and asked to look at the knife.
He fled with the weapon after a staff member pulled the knife out of a cabinet to show the man.
According to police, the staff member chased the man through Bayside Shopping Centre until the staffer was confronted and threatened with the knife by the suspect.
The staff member, as well as several witnesses, contacted police who implemented a “roving cordon” to catch the knife-wielding offender.
The armed suspect ran towards Fletcher Rd where he was spotted, captured and arrested by court PSOs.
“It was a dynamic and dangerous operation,” Frankston Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester said.
“There’s always a concern when someone is armed with a knife but to the officer’s credit it was dealt with quickly and effectively.
“Luckily there were no injuries.”
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The man, of no fixed address, was charged with theft and various weapons offences.
He was remanded to face court at a later date.
An Aussie Disposals spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.