Detectives from Townsville's Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged an 18-year-old Condon man following the alleged armed robbery and attempted robbery of two service stations in Garbutt on Friday, March 17.
At approximately 4.35am, it will be alleged two male persons attended a service station on Pilkington Road.
The pair allegedly approached the premises armed with a replica firearm but was unable to gain access.
They then left in a red 2017 Nissan X-Trail, which was allegedly stolen from a Cranbrook home earlier that day.
A short time later at approximately 4.45am, it will be alleged the same people entered a service station on Ingham Road and approached two employees at the front counter.
They allegedly threatened the employees with a replica firearm and demanded cash.
The employees complied and were not physically harmed.
The two male persons allegedly left with a quantity of cash and cigarettes into the same allegedly stolen Nissan X-Trail.
Officers from Kirwan Police Station and the Townsville Rapid Action unit located an 18-year-old man at a Kirwan address later that day where he was taken into custody.
The 18-year-old Condon man has been charged with 16 offences including enter dwelling, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, armed robbery in company and attempted robbery.
His bail was denied and he is expected to appear before Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Another five people located at the same Kirwan address were also charged, with unrelated offences.
A 16-year-old Rasmussen boy was charged with seven offences including enter dwelling with intent, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted enter dwelling.
A 16-year-old girl was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A 16-year old boy was charged with one count each of enter dwelling, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted enter dwelling, two counts of attempted enter premises, and one count each of enter premises and receiving tainted property.
A 14-year-old boy was charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.
All were remanded in custody and will appear before Townsville Childrens Court.
A 19-year old man was also charged with three counts of attempted enter dwelling and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear at Townsville Magistrates Court today.
Investigations into the robbery incidents remain ongoing.
Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV from the area at the time, is urged to come forward.
Earlier release: https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/03/17/armed-robbery-appeal-garbutt/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
