Geraldton Police appeal to public for information on Coles employee attacker

Liam BeattyGeraldton Guardian
Camera IconThe Geraldton Guardian asked for a few opinions from Sunday shoppers at Northgate. Credit: Tamra Carr/Geraldton Guardian

Geraldton Police have launched a public appeal for information after a Coles employee was violently assaulted during a confrontation with a customer on Wednesday afternoon.

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Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said the incident occurred when staff members challenged a 32-year-old man who was attempting to leave the Northgate Shopping Centre store around 4.15pm without paying for his items.

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“He’s been apprehended, but given it’s a large public area I have no doubt there were many people there who could assist police with establishing what happened,” he said.

“This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in Geraldton and police have a zero tolerance approach to these offences.”

This kind of behaviour is not acceptable in Geraldton and police have a zero tolerance approach to these offences.

- Sen. Sgt Chris Martin

“The staff members have been particularly courageous in challenging this person but unfortunately it’s led to some injuries,” he said.

“This is why we ask people to not get involved physically unless its absolutely necessary.”

The man was taken into police custody and will appear in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court at a later date.

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