The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 47-year-old male in relation to an aggravated robbery in Pinelands yesterday afternoon.
Around 5:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a disturbance involving a male allegedly armed with a machete on the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.
It is alleged a trailer containing construction equipment was stolen from a business premises along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands, before the victim observed it was missing a short time later. The victim drove around before stopping nearby after noticing the suspected stolen property attached to a vehicle broken down on the side of the road nearby.
Initial investigations indicate the alleged offender threatened the victim with a machete after the victim approached him. The offender then allegedly entered the victims vehicle to jump start his own personal vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after, the vehicle broke down nearby the Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive on-ramp, where the male fled into nearby bushland.
The Dog Operations Unit and general duties members attended on scene swiftly.
Patrol Dog (PD) Wedge was deployed and tracked the alleged offender 400 metres where they located and apprehended him while concealed within the bush.
The male was arrested and is likely to be charged later today.
A machete was seized and the stolen property was returned to the victim.
The Crime Command has carriage of the investigation.
Acting Superintendent Meacham King stated, "This is another good example of the essential work the dog operations unit undertakes in tracking violent offenders and apprehending them.
PD Wedge and his handler are a highly effective team protecting the community."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, particularly anyone with dash cam footage from the area at the time, is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference number P25171430. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
