An attempted robbery at a bar last night went wrong when
patrons took to the offenders with pool cues.
Witnesses told The Daily Post two men burst into Whakatane's
Kope Turf Bar in James St at 9.30pm.
One alleged offender, described as fat, ran behind the bar
and pushed a female bartender out of the way before
attempting to grab cash. The second man, armed with what was
described as a sawn-off shotgun, stood at the door, witnesses
said.
Patrons swarmed behind the bar to help stop the man and,
while doing so, managed to land a few punches on him. The
armed man rushed in and yelled at patrons to "get back or I
will shoot".
Most people at the bar stepped away from the first man but
one managed to grab a pool cue and smacked the armed man in
the back of the head with it. Another man threw his pool cue
at one of the alleged offenders.
When police arrived a man was being held by bar security and
patrons. People could be heard telling the alleged offender
that this was "their" bar and that no-one would be robbing it
while they were there.
Police removed what looked like a firearm and placed it in
the boot of one of the patrol cars.
A second man ran from the scene and was tracked by a police
dog for a distance before the canine lost the scent.
Pub-goers spilled out on to James St and were interviewed by
police with some also photographed.
The attempted robbery was the topic of discussion on Facebook
this morning, including an account from a witness who was
having a drink with his dad at the time. The witness said his
dad took the armed man down with a pool stick before patrons
tackled the offender.
He spoke of being shaken after the incident.
Nothing was taken in the attempted robbery.
Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Sandra
Venables said police firmly discouraged members of the public
putting themselves at risk by tackling offenders.
"Particularly when they are armed," she said.
"But that doesn't take away from the fact that these patrons
were incredibly courageous and they should be proud that they
stood up for their community."
Meanwhile, two 23-year-old Whakatane men are due to appear at
Whakatane District Court later today charged with assault
with intent to rob.
- Katee Shanks of The Daily Post
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