Two people have been arrested after a teenage employee was allegedly assaulted and food stolen during an early morning disturbance at a fast-food restaurant in Adelaide’s CBD.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) said officers were called to the restaurant on Pulteney Street at about 4.20am on Wednesday, July 15, following reports that an employee had been assaulted during a theft.
Police allege a 30-year-old man jumped over the restaurant counter, assaulted an 18-year-old worker, and then took food items before leaving the premises with a 34-year-old woman. The pair allegedly fled the restaurant on foot.
Patrolling officers quickly searched the surrounding area and located the suspects a short time later in Rundle Mall, where both were taken into custody without further incident.
The man has been charged with assault and theft and was refused police bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court later on Wednesday.
The woman has been charged with disorderly behaviour and was granted police bail to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court at a later date. The teenage employee suffered minor injuries during the alleged assault. Police said the victim was left shaken by the incident but did not require hospital treatment.
Authorities have not released the identities of either accused, and further details about the alleged motive behind the incident have not been disclosed.
The alleged assault comes as South Australian authorities continue efforts to reduce theft and anti-social behaviour in Adelaide’s CBD, including increased police patrols and targeted operations in busy areas such as Rundle Mall. State officials recently reported a decline in robbery and shop theft offences following enhanced enforcement measures.
