Citizen’s arrest nails armed robbery suspect
Charlie Halliday disarmed the man and pinned him to the ground.
JACKIE Chan might need to take martial arts lessons from Charlie Halliday of Hibberdene after last Saturday’s expert arrest of a knife-wielding robber in Hibberdene.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said that at about 2.15pm last Saturday a woman (46) was sitting on the beach with a friend when they were approached by three men.
“They were threatened with knives and forced to hand over their belongings. The men fled with the women’s bank cards, handbags, cash and sunglasses.”
Then, at 3.30pm, a 29-year-old man was on the beach with his girlfriend when two men approached them and asked them for cigarettes.
“When the man told them he did not have any cigarettes, they pulled out knives and robbed the couple of a cellphone, clothing, keys and sunglasses before fleeing,” added Lt-Col Wiid.
Charlie, (32) is a member of AZA Crime Incursion, a martial arts expert and a personal trainer.
The arrest came after another AZA member, George Parson alerted a third member, Matt Barry. While Matt was chasing after the men, Charlie intervened and managed to corner one of the suspects in Woodgrange.
The man produced a knife but Charlie disarmed and arrested him.
When Charlie searched the man he found the stolen cellphone, sunglasses and jacket.
Charlie’s father, Eugene, founder of Hibberdene‘s successful AZA Whatsapp group, thanked George, Charlie and Matt, Sergeant Desmond Theunissen of K9 Dog Unit and Lt-Col Wiid and the police for their assistance in the arrest.
He also thanked Heather Jones of the Jolly Roger for her contribution towards petrol and the community for their support.
The suspect is in custody and will appear in Hibberdene court.
“Police are looking for the other two suspects,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
Port Shepstone cluster commander, Major General Thembi Ndlovu, applauded Charlie for acting so quickly and arresting the suspect.
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