Walker hindered aging robber's getaway

An elderly man who allegedly robbed a woman at knifepoint failed to flee the scene because he was too slow putting his walking frame into a stolen car.

The man, aged 64, was still in the Belmont shopping center car park in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, trying to pack several bags and his walking frame into the woman's car when he was arrested at about 2.30pm on Saturday. Police allege the senior from Queensland had bought a knife from the shopping center's Kmart store and approached a 22-year-old female as she prepared to drive out of the car park.

Geelong Senior-Constable Paul Mitchell said the victim wound down her window and the man held the knife to her throat, demanding she give him the vehicle. After putting his walker in the car, the man drove a short distance before getting out to load in other bags. With his stunned victim quickly calling 000, police were able to arrest the man before his planned escape to South Australia.

Sen-Constable Mitchell described the alleged circumstances as "the most bizarre incident" he had encountered on the job. "He (the suspect) was charged with one count of armed robbery and was remanded in custody to appear in Geelong Magistrates Court ." The victim was shaken but her car and belongings were recovered without damage.