Police in the state’s northwest have arrested and charged two Walgett teenagers over the alleged robbery and abduction of two people from their home at Coraki on the weekend.
About 1.45am on Sunday, an 80-year-old man and his 56-year-old daughter were awoken by loud noises from inside their home on Queen Elizabeth Drive.
When the man and his daughter went to inspect, they were confronted by two masked men; one armed with a machete, the other with an axe.
The offenders allegedly threatened them before demanding cash and cigarettes from their adjoining shop.
They were then forced into the woman’s Nissan Tiida and driven about 3km from Coraki before being ordered out.
Police were alerted and officers sighted the Tiida in Casino a short time later.
A pursuit was initiated; however, the pair evaded police when they stopped the car in a nearby street and fled on foot.
Detectives from Richmond Local Area Command launched an investigation into the alleged incidents and, following inquiries, two males – aged 17 and 15 – were arrested in Walgett about 4pm yesterday.
The 17-year-old was charged with aggravated robbery while armed in company; take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage (two counts); police pursuit – Skye’s Law; and other driving-related offences.
The 15-year-old was charged with aggravated robbery while armed in company; take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage (two counts); and be carried in conveyance without consent of owner.
Both teens were refused bail to appear at Walgett Children’s Court later today.
