Karangahape Rd superette robbery: Teens with machete arrested after fleeing scene

Police said about 9pm, two people entered a superette on Karangahape Rd with their faces covered by balaclavas. Photo / File

A pair of masked teenagers were chased by a central Auckland shopkeeper during an alleged robbery attempt, which involved a 12‑year‑old in the stolen getaway car.

Two 17-year-olds were charged after the incident, with police using the Eagle helicopter to track the quartet across Auckland overnight.

Police said about 9pm, two males wearing balaclavas entered a superette on Karangahape Rd.

Auckland Central Area Commander Grae Anderson said the alleged offenders stormed into the store and verbally abused the shopkeeper.

“One of these males has jumped onto the counter, resulting in both offenders being chased out of the store by the shopkeeper,” Anderson said.

The pair then fled the area in a waiting stolen vehicle with two youngsters inside.

“This vehicle was later detected in the Western Springs area, with a police camera operator tracking its movements until the police Eagle helicopter got overhead,” Anderson said.

The vehicle was then seen after it stopped near St Lukes, and two males got out before it drove off again.

“The two 17-year-olds were soon located by police units and arrested, one of whom was carrying a machete,” Anderson said.

The Eagle continued to track the vehicle heading west on the Northwestern Motorway before it was stopped by police on Te Atatū Rd.

“Two males, aged 12 and 13, were taken into custody without further incident,” Anderson said.

The two males have been referred to Youth Aid.

Anderson said the two 17-year-olds arrested in St Lukes have been jointly charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

One of the pair has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and will appear in the Auckland Youth Court today.

“I would like to acknowledge all the police staff involved in responding to last night’s incident, resulting in these apprehensions,” Anderson said.

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