Two teens arrested following armed robbery at convenience store

POLICE have arrested two teenage boys in relation to an armed robbery of a Townsville convenience store.

The two boys, aged 15 and 17, are suspected of robbing the Deeragun shop earlier in the week.

Police allege about 9.40pm the two teens entered the convenience store in Deeragun Rd and pointed a firearm at two shop employees and demanded money. The boys then jumped the counter and took cigarettes and cash before fleeing the shop, possibly in a white vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said the teenagers were known to police.

“Regardless of their age this is a particularly violent offence with the use of a firearm which we can all accept can have disastrous effects,” SenSgt Miles said.

“It’s placed two people in significant risk during the course of the robbery.

“Regardless of age these two people need to be held accountable for the crimes they’ve committed and that’s why they are being placed before the courts.”

The teenagers, who live in the Upper Ross area, were arrested by police at 11am yesterday at Mount Louisa.

Sen-sgt Miles said the teenagers were opportunistic and used “a shock and awe” approach in the robbery where a shortened firearm was allegedly used.

“Regardless if it’s a gun, a knife, any weapon presents a unique risk to the individuals involved,” he said.

“A gun is no more concerning than a knife or a bat … it places members of the public at extreme risk.”