Updated 4pm, Tuesday April 2: A teenager who allegedly held up a North Hobart chemist while armed with scissors reportedly assaulted a Metro bus driver in the hours before the incident.
Police charged the 17-year-old boy on Tuesday afternoon, several hours after the incident that left staff shaken earlier in the day.
The teen from North Hobart will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on a charge of common assault and attempted stealing with force later this evening.
He was also charged with motor vehicle stealing over an unrelated matter.
“Tasmania Police is committed to protecting the community and local businesses and detecting and preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour with the aim of making our public spaces safer for everyone,” Detective Inspector David Gill said.
“We will continue to target anti-social and criminal behaviour and where appropriate, necessary and authorised by law, we will be charging those who offend, and putting them before a Magistrate.”
Earlier: A teenage boy has been taken into custody following the alleged armed robbery of a North Hobart chemist this morning.
The 17-year-old is accused of entering the store just after 9:20am on Tuesday while armed with a pair of scissors.
Police said the teenager threatened staff and unsuccessfully attempted to pry open the cash register.
He then ran from the store empty handed and was located by police nearby 20 minutes later.
Staff were not physically injured during the ordeal but were “understandably shaken” by the incident, police said.
Detectives are currently combing the scene before the teenager is interviewed later today.
