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A member of the public helped save a shop worker after they were allegedly stabbed following a pursuit of three teens who attempted to steal Pokemon cards.
The victim of the attack has also sent a warning to other youths looking to try a similar heist.
Police responded toreports of shoplifting at Hobby Lords on Broadway, Newmarket, where a staff member allegedly suffered a stab wound.
The employee chased after the alleged offenders, stopping one on Nuffield St before a knife was produced and the alleged stabbing occurred, Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Bunce said.
Hobby Lords group managing director Liam O’Neill said the three male suspects, two aged 13 and one 16-year-old, “grabbed two Gundam GUNPLA Kits, and one Pokemon Charizard League Battle Deck”.
O’Neill said the “well-loved” staff member chased the trio down when “human instinct took over” as they always tried to better and improve the community.
Three youths allegedly attempted to steal multiple items from Hobby Lords in Newmarket. Photo / Hobby Lords
“Fortunately, a member of the public stepped in” once the employee had suffered the wound, O’Neill explained, “[and] disarmed the youth and pinned them to the ground.”
He also thanked police and Newmarket security for stepping in quickly to apprehend the youths, while also showing great appreciation for the member of the public who stepped in to help.
“I also would love to personally thank the unknown member of the public who stepped in to assist our staff member.”
The victim, who police said was taken to Auckland City Hospital with moderate injuries, is “okay after being seen by doctors at hospital,” and was able to pass a message on.
“Kids, play Pokemon, not knives,” they said.
“I just hope the kids learned their lesson early so they can change their life path.
“I don’t feel negative toward them. Good lessons come with a cost.”
O’Neill asked that the privacy of the staff member be respected as they recover.
The two 13-year-olds were spoken to and will be referred to Youth Aid, while the 16-year-old will appear in the Auckland Youth Court on January 26.
