Police in Cairns deployed a Taser to apprehend a man accused of threatening a store employee with a knife during an armed robbery in Earlville. The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
Incident Details
According to police reports, the alleged offender entered a retail establishment on Collins Avenue around 3:30 PM. He reportedly brandished a knife and demanded cash from a staff member. The employee complied, and the suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
Officers from the Cairns Police Station arrived shortly after receiving multiple emergency calls. They located the suspect a short distance from the store. When confronted, the man allegedly refused to surrender and made threatening movements, leading officers to use a Taser to subdue him.
Arrest and Charges
The 32-year-old man from Manunda was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Cairns Hospital for a medical assessment as a precautionary measure. Following clearance, he was charged with armed robbery and assault occasioning bodily harm.
Police have confirmed that the store employee was not physically injured during the robbery but was left shaken by the ordeal. Support services were offered to the victim.
Community Safety
Senior Sergeant Mark Freeman commended the quick actions of the responding officers. “This was a dynamic situation where the safety of the public and our officers was paramount. The use of a Taser was a necessary measure to prevent harm,” he said.
Local business owners have expressed concern over the incident, but police have assured the community that such occurrences are rare. They urge anyone with information to come forward.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday. He remains in custody pending the hearing.
