Strike Force Trident have arrested and charged two men aged 24 and 27 in relation to two alleged armed robberies in the Palmerston area over the weekend.
On Saturday 29 August 2026, the two men allegedly attended a bottle shop in Yarrawonga, where it is alleged the 24-year-old man entered the premises armed with a mattock and damaged the service counter before stealing cash and alcohol. The 27-year-old man allegedly entered the store armed with a socket wrench and stole a quantity of alcohol.
CCTV captured the incident and assisted police in identifying the two alleged offenders.
The 27-year-old man was subsequently arrested by Strike Force Trident and Palmerston General Duties officers at a residence in Gray.
In a separate incident yesterday, the 24-year-old man allegedly entered a fast-food restaurant in Palmerston through an unsecured door while staff were working.
Police allege the man was armed with a steel pole and socket wrench and threatened staff while repeatedly demanding money. Staff fled the premises and contacted police.
Strike Force Trident responded as the man allegedly attempted to flee and struck a responding police officer in the stomach with the steel pole.
Despite being struck, the officer pursued the man on foot and arrested him on Hannibal Crescent in Gray with the assistance of Palmerston General Duties officers.
The 24-year-old man has since been charged with:
- 2 x Aggravated robbery
- 1 x Assault police
- 1 x Criminal damage
- 2 x Going armed in public
The 27-year-old man has been charged with:
- 1 x Aggravated robbery
- 1 x Going armed in public
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Humphries said "Violent offending will never be tolerated, and those who threaten or harm members of our community or Police Force can expect police to actively pursue them and put them before the courts.
"Strike Force Trident, together with our frontline officers, will continue targeting violent offenders in order to keep the community safe".
Police are continuing investigations and urge anyone with information about either incident, including anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, to contact police on 131 444 and quote reference NTP2600083754. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
