Police are on the hunt for a man responsible for armed robberies in Sunshine West and Derrimut last week.
The crime spree began just before 5am last Wednesday when the man, armed with a firearm, broke into a Sunshine West factory on North View Drive and confronted the lone female employee.
The armed crime squad’s Detective Sergeant Paul Lloyd said the man discharged the firearm in the woman’s direction, causing minor injuries to her arm.
He then took her hostage as police arrived, dragging her with him to his motorbike, where he threatened two police with his gun before letting the woman go and riding off towards Somerville Road.
Police immediately provided assistance to the woman, who was later taken to hospital.
Detective Sergeant Lloyd said police received a call to a second armed robbery about 5.25am at a takeaway food store on the corner of Mt Derrimut Road and Paramount Boulevard.
Police believe it was the same man who entered the store and threatened the lone female staffer with the firearm before stealing cash from the register.
He is believed to have left the area on the same motorbike.
The employee was taken to hospital for observation and treatment for shock.
“There’s a dangerous, volatile person out there who’s prepared to go to great lengths to escape capture,” Detective Sergeant Lloyd said.
The offender is about 180 centimetres (six feet) tall and of solid build. He was wearing dark clothing and a full-face helmet.
Send information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
