A Queensland resident’s swift actions following a jewellery theft at a Prouds store in Tweed Heads led to the apprehension of an alleged thief by undercover police officers.
The incident began on Friday morning when Jordan Gelbart witnessed an individual enter the Prouds store and allegedly douse the counters with petrol. The suspect reportedly gathered jewellery items and placed them in a bag. Gelbart quickly contacted the police while recording the events on his phone, capturing crucial footage.
As the suspect left the store holding a petrol container, Gelbart decided to intervene. “I couldn’t believe what I saw,” he told 9News. Gelbart then pursued the man through the mall, ordering him to stop.
Pursuit Leads to Police Intervention
During the chase, the suspect noticed Gelbart behind him. “He looked back, saw me, saw me chasing him; I tried to look as scary as possible,” Gelbart recounted. Gelbart’s pursuit ultimately led him to two undercover police officers positioned outside the mall.
Reflecting on the moment, Gelbart said, “Two undercover police officers pulled him over and kind of pinned him in the ditch,” resulting in the suspect’s immediate arrest. Police footage shows the suspect’s detention as he was placed on the ground and handcuffed.
Charges and Search for Accomplice
Following the arrest, New South Wales Police charged the man with armed robbery, citing the use of petrol as an offensive weapon. Bail was denied, and the suspect remains in custody.
Authorities are also searching for a potential accomplice, a woman last seen leaving the scene in a red Hyundai i30 with a bag of stolen jewellery.
