Moorabbin detectives have charged a 20-year-old Cranbourne man following alleged armed robberies in Melbourne’s south yesterday.
Detectives allege two males attended a tobacco shop on Centre Road, Bentleigh armed with a knife demanding cigarettes.
A male staff member sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital.
The offenders fled the scene in a Holden Commodore ute before allegedly attending another tobacco shop in Como Parade, Mentone, a short time later.
It is alleged they stole cigarettes and jewellery before again fleeing in the Holden.
A police pursuit was initiated. Officers followed the ute to Noble Park where the two vehicles collided in Arena Square just before 10:30am.
Police drew firearms as they arrested the two occupants of the vehicle.
Both alleged offenders were taken to hospital under police guard.
Two police officers involved in the collision were also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The 20-year-old Cranbourne West man has been charged with several offences, including armed robbery and assault with a weapon, among other charges.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court later today.
An 18-year-old Doveton man remains in hospital under police guard. Detectives will interview him later.
