A member of the public has been allegedly assaulted after confronting young people believed to be robbing a dairy in Napier last week.
Detective Steve Leonard of the Hawke’s Bay criminal investigations branch said the incident started when three young people "unlawfully interfered with a Nissan Bluebird with the intention to steal it" on August 13.
They were "unable to start the car" and they shifted their attention to a Nissan Tiida and "successfully stole it from a Napier city carpark."
The young people are then alleged to have driven the Nissan and a second vehicle to anothert location, before making their way in the stolen Nissan to a dairy.
Two of the teenagers are alleged to have entered the store "carrying weapons" while the third stood guard outside.
"The teens allegedly threatened the owner and stole cigarettes and vape products," Leonard said.
On leaving the store, a member of the public "confronted" the youths and was allegedly assaulted.
Two of the teenagers have appeared in the Hastings Youth court on multiple charges, with the third located and arrested in Auckland, allegedly during another robbery. Police said the third person will be charged with the same offending.
Police have previously warned members of the public not to intervene in dangerous circumstances for the sake their own safety.
"We would like to remind the public to contact police as soon as possible if you see suspicious or illegal behaviour. Call 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 if it’s after the fact."
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