A man who is alleged to committed armed robbery against a 90-year-old Woolooga man, and threatened police with a shovel, has been arrested, after he was found hiding in a cupboard.
The 21-year-old is alleged to have broken into multiple homes and businesses across the Gympie and South Burnett regions was arrested at a Cherbourg address on Thursday 5 August and charged with more than 50 offences.
It is the alleged the man committed a large number of property offences throughout the South Burnett, as well as Tiaro, Kilkivan, Woolooga, Gympie, Ban Ban Springs and Gayndah since the start of July.
Among these offences include an armed robbery on July 28 where a 90-year-old victim was threatened by the man with a shovel at a business in Woolooga before a quantity of cash was stolen.
It is further alleged on the same day the man ran at a police officer with a shovel, forcing the officer to take evasive action to avoid serious injury.
Police will also allege the man targeted vulnerable victims living alone, and that he broke into their homes before stealing vehicles which were then used in further offences.
A 21-year-old Cherbourg man has been charged with a total of 54 offences, including one count each of armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle and serious assault police, as well as multiple counts of stealing, burglary, enter premises with intent and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
He was due to appear in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on August 5.
Detective Acting Inspector Paul McCusker said the officers remained committed throughout the investigation to achieving an outcome for all victims involved.
“This is a great result for our local communities and sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated,” he said.
