Off-duty Nelson police nab wanted man after recognising him as they walked through mall

Police allege the man entered a dairy on Salisbury Rd in Nelson armed with a weapon and demanded money last month.

Two off-duty police officers arrested a man wanted in relation to a robbery after recognising him walking through a mall.

Police allege the man entered a dairy on Salisbury Rd in Nelson armed with a weapon and demanded money last month.

The man fled the store empty-handed after the fog cannon was activated.

On Monday the officers arrested the man after recognising him as they walked through Richmond Mall.

Constable Brett Kindley, who was in charge of the investigation, said images of the alleged offender were circulated among staff, which resulted in the off-duty officers recognising the suspect.

A 19-year-old was due to reappear in the Nelson District Court on November 14 charged with demanding to steal.

“We are fortunate that this type of offending is not common here in Nelson, and when it does occur, Police work hard to hold offenders to account and prevent further harm in the community,” Kindley said.

“The owners and workers at the dairy were pleased to hear the alleged offender had been identified and arrested.”