Hunt for alleged axe-wielding thief
A man wielding an axe allegedly stole goods from an Adelaide mall, marking the second terrifying incident in just a matter of days.
Police were called to a sports store in Rundle Mall just before 9.30am on Wednesday following reports a theft had occurred.
A man, aged in his 40s, allegedly stole a shirt before quickly exiting the store.
Staff raced after him but they spotted what looked like small axe or hatchet in his hand.
The man allegedly fled the scene and no one was injured during the incident.
Police searched the area but were unable to locate him, with officers urging anyone with information to come forward.
The man is described as being of Aboriginal appearance, with a grey beard and medium build. He was wearing red shorts, a black hooded jumper and black cap.
Local shoppers were rattled by the incident, which is the second alleged violent incident to take place at the mall within a matter of days.
Police were called to the mall about 11.45am on Monday after a Rebel Sports staff member was allegedly assaulted by a teenager.
The teen allegedly smashed the staff member over the head with a stool, 7News reports.
Police searched the area for the suspect, a 15-year-old Hackham West girl, before she was located on nearby Grenfell Street.
She was allegedly carrying cosmetics and jewellery that police suspected was stolen.
The teen was arrested and has been charged with aggravated assault cause harm and unlawful possession.
She was refused bail and appeared in Adelaide Youth Court on Tuesday.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and reportedly received 13 stitches to her forehead.
“It makes me feel unsafe. You want to be able to come here and spend time with your friends and go shopping but when you know that stuff’s happening it puts you off a little bit,” a local told 7NEWS.
