Samuel Cooper on remand after alleged Port Douglas IGA armed robbery
The teenager who allegedly robbed the Port Douglas IGA at knifepoint has been identified as the son of the outgoing Douglas Shire Council CEO.
Cairns
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The teenager who allegedly robbed the Port Douglas IGA at knifepoint has been identified as the son of the outgoing Douglas Shire Council CEO.
It’s alleged Samuel Cooper, 18, entered the supermarket off Port Douglas Rd about 8.15am Sunday, June 23, and threatened a staff member with a knife.
Police allege he stole cash and fled the store in a dark green Ford Falcon that had no registration plates.
The teen and the vehicle were reportedly then seen in Mareeba, about 80 kilometres away, at 10.50am, according to police.
However officers captured the alleged offender shortly after 2pm that day, and he was taken to Port Douglas police station where he was charged with two counts of armed robbery.
He has also been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and wilful damage relating to a separate alleged incident in Craiglie on Monday, June 17.
Cooper, who’s from Craiglie, was denied bail and first appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday, June 24.
His matter was adjourned to July 15 for a mention and he was remanded in custody.
The Cairns Post understands the teen is the son of outgoing Douglas Shire Council CEO Rachel Brophy.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon issued a media statement on Wednesday asking for the privacy of all council staff to be respected.
“As a parent myself, I understand that there can be many challenges in family life, and who we choose to share this with is a decision for the family alone,” she said.
“On behalf of myself and fellow councillors we ask that the wellbeing and privacy of all council staff be respected.”
Ms Brophy unexpectedly resigned from the top job in May, just weeks after the new council was sworn in. Her last day was set to be July 9.
No one was physically injured in the alleged armed robbery on Sunday and the store reopened about 11am that day.
Local IGA staff declined to comment.
Originally published as Samuel Cooper on remand after alleged Port Douglas IGA armed robbery
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