Gunman Opened Fire During Terrifying Chadstone Robbery
A violent Chadstone Shopping Centre armed robbery has returned under the spotlight after 32 years. Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad reopened the cold case after receiving fresh intelligence.
The terrifying ambush unfolded about 11.40am on the 16 of May in 1994 near the cinema complex. Two Armaguard employees had collected weekend takings before a gunman confronted them.
Police said the offender carried a handgun and a cardboard box during the robbery. The guards were carrying three cash bags when the offender allegedly screamed, “get down, drop the money”.
One guard immediately dropped to the ground.
However, the second guard moved towards the offender before lowering himself. The gunman then deliberately fired a shot into the man’s lower leg. The bullet struck his right ankle before ricocheting into the other guard’s shoe.
Brave Bystander Shot While Following Offender
The armed offender stole the cash bags and both Armaguard revolvers before fleeing through the shopping centre. As he escaped, police said he pointed the firearm at nearby civilians.
A brave bystander, a 40-year-old Doveton man, followed the offender through the complex, while two additional men stood near the automatic doors leading into the carpark.
Police said the offender pointed the revolver at one man and ordered him back inside. When the man hesitated, the offender allegedly struck him in the upper arm with the firearm.
The offender then realised the Doveton man still followed him. Investigators said the gunman turned and shot the man in the left leg. The shot completely shattered his femur.
Detectives Revive Cold Case After Fresh Intelligence
Police said the offender continued towards the lower carpark and entered a corridor area. During the escape, he dropped the cardboard box containing one stolen revolver and one cash bag.
The man then forced open an external door leading towards a staircase into the lower carpark. Investigators believe he dropped several items before disappearing with two money bags containing a significant amount of cash.
Three men required hospital treatment following the shooting spree. Eventually, detectives filed the investigation as unsolved and stored the exhibits long term. However, investigators recently reopened the case after receiving new intelligence.
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Decades-Long Mystery
The offender was described as aged between 30 and 40 during the robbery. Police said he stood between 170cm and 178cm tall with a medium to slim build. He reportedly wore a fawn long sleeve top, fawn balaclava and brown gloves.
Detectives now urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
