Knife-Wielding Man Attempts To Steal Cars Near Oamaru Hospital

A man has been apprehended by police in Oamaru following an incident involving a knife and car theft, according to authorities. The arrest took place on Tuesday night on Thames St, where an officer intercepted the man driving a car that had reportedly been stolen a short time earlier.

The sequence of events began around 6:45 pm when police received a report of a man wielding a knife and attempting to steal vehicles near the hospital. Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy of Waitaki detailed the incident, stating that the suspect first accosted a woman in her vehicle, holding her at knifepoint. When his attempt to steal her car was unsuccessful, he proceeded to steal another woman's vehicle and drove away.

Fortunately, neither of the women suffered any physical harm during the ordeal, McCoy confirmed in a statement.

Following his arrest, the 23-year-old suspect was charged with aggravated robbery and driving while forbidden. He was scheduled to appear in the Timaru District Court on Wednesday, as per police reports.

McCoy emphasized the traumatic nature of the incident for the victims, describing it as "terrifying." He commended the witnesses and members of the public who came to the aid of the victims, stressing that such criminal activities have no place in the community. McCoy reassured that the police are committed to holding offenders accountable and supporting those affected by such incidents.