A 15-year-old teenager armed with an axe has been charged after allegedly assaulting a staff member and stealing drinks from a Claremont supermarket overnight.
Police say the teen entered the Woolworths store through the loading dock around 10pm on Saturday, where he struck a team member conducting night fill with an axe and threatened another.
They say the teenager then pulled a trolley containing various drinks out of the loading bay and stole several cartons from it before leaving the area, damaging a parked vehicle on his way.
After a short search of the area, the teen was located and arrested ‘without incident’, with the stolen drinks also recovered.
The injured staff member was hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries.
Police say two other youths were also present, however did not enter the store and ran away during the incident.
The teenage offender has been charged with aggravated armed robbery and remains in custody awaiting a court appearance.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have any information is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
