DARING ASSAULT

Southland Times, Issue 22011, 10 May 1933, Page 6

DARING ASSAULT

PEPPER THROWN ATTEMPT TO ROB STOREKEEPER YOUTH APPREHENDED (Per United Press Association.) Palmerston North, May 9. A daring assault and theft was attempted this morning when a youth threw pepper into the eyes of a storekeeper and decamped with about £5. The perpetrator operated in daylight, even chartering a taxi to assist him in the enterprise. However, he was recognized by a citizen during the chase through the streets and he was subsequently apprehended. The incident happened in the grocery store of Mr William Wiseman. A young man entered the shop and ordered a tin of cocoa and a carton of honey. The goods were placed on the counter and the youth said he wanted change of a five pound note. Mr Wiseman got the change, which he placed on the counter. The youth put his hand in his pocket as Mr Wiseman thought, for the note, but pulled out a quantity of pepper, which he threw into Mr Wiseman’s eyes. He grabbed the money and made for the street, where a taxi was waiting. Fortunately Mr Wiseman was wearing spectacles, and he chased the youth, who quitted the waiting taxi and eluded pursuit, but not before he was recognized by a pedestrian. The police subsequently made an arrest. Mr Wiseman recovered from the effects of the pepper.