SCREAM MASK CRIM ON THE LOOSE IN DARWIN
A MAN in a “Ghostface” mask from the movie Scream was on the loose in Darwin after pulling a gun at the Casuarina Caltex service station and driving off with $41 in fuel early yesterday morning.
NT Police are asking for the public’s assistance in tracking him down.
Police said about 5.30am, the Caltex operator had asked a customer who arrived for his Saturday-morning newspaper to get the numberplate of a car at the pumps that hadn’t paid for fuel.
When the customer approached the car, the man in the mask threatened him with a long firearm.
NT Police are treating the matter as a serious crime.
“An unknown male wearing a Scream mask has filled up a late-model white Toyota Camry station wagon and driven off without paying,” said Det Sgt Andrew Dudley.
“A male customer has attempted to take down (the) numberplate and upon seeing this the driver has stopped and threatened the customer with an alleged firearm through the window (of the car).”
The suspect then drove off, leaving the man shaken. He was driving a white, late-model Toyota Camry station wagon with no front plates, police said. It was unclear yesterday if the car was registered to the Ghostface or was stolen.
Police said the suspect was viewed before he put on the mask and was described as being of indigenous appearance. He was wearing a white T-shirt with print on the front, dark shorts and black and white runners.
NT Police Serious Crimes division is investigating the incident. In the Scream movies, the perpetrator was not always the most obvious suspect.
Police did not suspect the man had an accomplice.
Caltex staff did not comment on the incident yesterday and calls to the manager were not returned. They released CCTV footage to police to assist the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.