A robbery suspect was arrested by members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) following a lengthy foot chase in Parkgate – Verulam this afternoon (Friday).
A resident of Leicester Road in Parkgate contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance at 13:52 after an unknown male was seen jumping over her boundary gate and fleeing into a bush across their home. Reaction Officers were dispatched to the property and on arrival were provided with a clothing description of the man. The caller also confirmed that nothing had been stolen from their property.
It was then established that the suspect was fleeing from the public after he robbed a General Dealer in the area. He jumped over several boundary walls from Heathrow Avenue in an attempt to evade arrest.
Reaction Officers entered the bush and spotted the suspect hiding in the overgrown vegetation down a steep embankment. When he noticed Officers approaching he attempted to flee but was apprehended after a foot chase.
The owner of the general dealer arrived on scene and informed RUSA Members that the robber entered his business, drew a large screwdriver (picture 4) before jumping over the counter and stealing several packets of cigarettes. He threatened to stab the cashier if he attempted intervened. The cigarettes and screwdriver were found in his possession. The suspect is a resident of B Section in Parkgate. He claimed to be 18 years old however appeared much older.
He was placed under arrest and was handed over to Police.
