Man arrested for chemist burglaries
A Morwell man allegedly involved in an armed robbery at the Bunyip Pharmacy on Monday afternoon was arrested and charged after a collision in Morwell later that day.
The man has been charged with robberies at Bunyip, Drouin and Rosedale pharmacies.
Cardinia CIU detectives are investigating the collision following the termination of a police pursuit in Morwell.
The vehicle was pursued by police along Commercial Rd, Morwell after the occupants were allegedly involved in an armed robbery at the Bunyip Pharmacy in High St.
Investigators believe the offenders entered the business armed with knives and threatened staff before fleeing in a vehicle.
No one was physically injured during the robbery.
The pharmacist was allegedly forced to hand over the keys to the controlled drugs cabinet. The offenders allegedly stole a quantity of drugs.
Police monitored the vehicle between Drouin East and Morwell before an attempt to intercept the vehicle was made in Commercial Rd.
The vehicle evaded police and the pursuit was terminated. The vehicle continued along Symons Crescent, Morwell East, where the driver fled and a passenger began driving.
The vehicle then collided with a tree in Vary St at about 2.50pm.
Two occupants, a 29-year-old Morwell man and 30-year-old Orbost man sustained lifethreatening injuries. Both men were airlifted to hospital for treatment.
The third occupant, a 39-year-old Morwell man, who was not injured, was arrested at his residence a short time later.
He was charged with various offences including armed robbery, assault with a weapon, evading police and reckless conduct endangering life.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Detectives believe the men also were involved in burglaries at the Drouin and Rosedale pharmacies the night before on Sunday, April 28. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.