A 13-year-old girl, just weeks into her first job, has been held at knifepoint during a terrifying armed robbery at a Chinese restaurant. Two off-duty prison guards were stabbed as they rushed to her rescue.
Attack During Dinner Rush
During last night's dinner rush at the Long Jetty Chinese Restaurant on the NSW Central Coast, police swarmed the restaurant after a balaclava-clad thief armed with a hunting knife threatened the teenage worker.
Two diners, both 55-year-old corrective services officers having dinner with their families, immediately intervened when they witnessed the attack.
Police Condemn Cowardly Act
"It's absolutely cowardly threatening a 13-year-old shop attendant," Supt Chad Gillies, the Tuggerah Lakes District Commander said. "It's completely unacceptable."
One man was medivaced to Sydney after being stabbed in the neck, while the other was treated for defensive wounds to his hands and arms. Despite their injuries, the pair managed to pin down the offender while restaurant workers snatched the hunting knife away.
Weapon Described as Rambo-Style
"The same thing [the knife] you see in the Rambo movie," chef Lian Psua said. "That one's very long. It's got the jagged top. So I bring to the kitchen the knife."
The alleged offender, 35-year-old Adrian Wargent, has been refused bail over the attack.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Police returned to the scene on Sunday after discovering suspected stolen property stashed behind the restaurant. Officers are now reviewing nearby security cameras to determine whether Wargent was involved in earlier thefts or was planning robberies nearby.
Heroic Efforts Praised
The injured men are recovering, with corrective services acknowledging their dedication to protecting the public. "They were heroic in their efforts," Gillies said. "They put themselves at severe risk."
