A 14-year-old teenager found with a ‘homemade firearm’ after an aggravated burglary in Moonah has been arrested and charged alongside two others today.
Police say the trio, made up of the female teenager and two older males, were arrested after the early morning break in that resulted in ‘a quantity’ of jewellery being taken.
“At about 3.40am on Sunday 23rd April 2023 police were called to attend to an aggravated burglary that occurred in Amy Street, West Moonah,” a spokesperson said.
“As a result of prompt police attendance at the scene, a 14-year-old female was located on the property and was arrested by police.”
“A 21 year old male was located nearby a short time later and was also arrested.”
“Subsequent investigations determined that a third offender had fled the scene as police arrived and a 33-year-old male was later located and subsequently charged with aggravated burglary and stealing.”
The teen has been detained, charged with aggravated burglary, stealing and firearm offences and will appear in court tomorrow – a decision Detective Inspector Troy Morrisby of Glenorchy CIB said was “not made lightly”.
“A decision to place a 14 year old in custody to appear before court is not made lightly and is reflective of a number of factors, including the seriousness of the crimes committed, the involvement of a firearm and public safety,” he said.
“The 33 year old male that fled the scene as police arrived caused themselves a significant injury whilst running from the property, which later required them to make contact with Ambulance Tasmania.”
“Consequently, police have charged and bailed that male from custody for a later court date and he remains in a stable condition in the Royal Hobart Hospital undergoing treatment to his injury.”
Officers are still searching for some of the stolen items, which include an 18-carat gold ring, two Ferrari watches and two gold wedding bands.
Anyone with information relating to this matter or who may see jewellery that matches the descriptions provided for sale can provide it to police via 131 444 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
