Armed Robber Busted After Hammer Attack in Shopping Mall
An armed thug terrified staff at a mobile phone stall in Washington before being foiled by a quick-thinking taxi driver, security guards, and members of the public who grabbed him at the scene.
Hammer-Wielding Criminal Smashes Till for Cash
Anthony Potts, 34, went on a brazen crime spree at The Galleries shopping centre at 9.30am on March 9. He threatened a stallholder, swung a hammer, and smashed a till to steal the cash inside.
Terrified, the stallholder handed over the notes that had spilled onto the floor. Potts then demanded car keys from shoppers, causing panic.
Taxi Driver Fights Back and Helps Pin Down Burglar
Potts tried to flee by hijacking a taxi, refusing to leave and even throwing stolen cash into the air. But the driver didn’t back down – he wrestled Potts out despite having his car key fob snapped in the struggle.
Security staff and passersby jumped in to help detain the criminal until police arrived and arrested him on the spot.
Justice Served: 3-Year Jail Term for Potts
Potts, from Gateshead, later pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery, and carrying an offensive weapon. Newcastle Crown Court sentenced him to 45 months behind bars.
There is simply no excuse for his behaviour,” said Detective Sergeant Kimberley Wright of Northumbria Police. “The stallholder remained calm despite the threatening actions.”
“Thanks to a brave taxi driver, security, and members of the public, Potts was caught quickly. We will keep working to keep the North East safe.”
