A woman has been arrested after allegedly assaulting a security guard with a broken bottle following a “shoplifting incident” at a supermarket in the Auckland CBD this afternoon.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said police were called around 12.30pm after receiving a report of an assault.
He said supermarket staff had identified a woman suspected of shoplifting from the store.
“It was believed she had attempted to leave the shop without paying for more than $100 worth of groceries,” Baldwin said.
“Security staff attempted to intervene and recover the groceries and a brief tussle ensued before the woman fled on foot.”
Baldwin said the woman then returned to the store and allegedly threw a bottle at security guards.
“She then allegedly assaulted one of the guards with a broken bottle, before again fleeing the scene.
“One of the guards suffered a laceration to his torso and he was treated at the scene.”
Officers, including a police dog unit, located the woman nearby and “attempted to take her into custody”.
During the arrest, the woman allegedly spat at one officer and kicked another, Baldwin said.
“She was quickly restrained and arrested.”
The woman was taken to hospital for treatment after sustaining a “minor dog bite” during her arrest.
A 29-year-old woman has been charged with theft, aggravated assault, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and two counts of assaulting police.
Police said inquiries are ongoing, and further charges have not been ruled out.
