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Mark Taylor / Stuff
Police outside a bank in Chartwell in Hamilton after an armed robbery Wednesday afternoon.
A 27-year-old man was arrested today after three alleged robberies in the Waikato.
Police were called in for the first robbery at Westpac Bank in Chartwell just before 1.30pm.
Detective Sergeant Scott McKenzie said a man presented a gun, threatened staff and walked away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
As the police tried to identify the suspect, at 5:15 p.m. they were alerted to a second robbery at the Rototuna Kiwibank.
“A man who fit a description similar to that of the first robbery presented a weapon before leaving with an undisclosed amount of cash.”
The third robbery occurred in a Taupiri business shortly before 7:30 p.m.
As police responded to the Taupiri robbery, a vehicle of interest was spotted on the Waikato Expressway shortly after 7:30 p.m.
“The vehicle did not stop when the police pointed it out and a chase began in response to the fleeing driver.”
The man stopped the vehicle shortly before 8 pm in Ramarama before disembarking on foot.
He was located nearby and detained without further incident.
An imitation firearm has been recovered.
A Westpac spokesperson said they were supporting the team at Westpac Chartwell following today’s incident.
“No one was hurt, but our people are understandably shocked. There was also only one client in the branch that we will provide support ”.
He said the branch will be closed today and tomorrow morning as they cater to the needs of their employees.
The man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on Thursday.
Anyone who has witnessed any of these incidents should contact the police on 105 and cite the file number 200930/3896.
