A man who attempted to hold up a service station in Warilla last year has been charged, following DNA testing on the wooden stake he allegedly used during the incident.
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On February 20, 2018, the 28-year-old man allegedly entered the Metro service station on Shellharbour Road about 6pm and threatened a console operator with the piece of wood.
According to police, he jumped the counter while brandishing the 47cm long wooden stake.
He demanded cash and cigarettes from a female employee.
The employee attempted to defend herself with her own wooden stake, which he wrestled from her.
The staff member, who escaped the ordeal without injury, sounded the alarm after the man fled.
The alleged offender reportedly left the store with just a single pack of cigarettes.
Police from Lake Illawarra Police District established a crime scene and commenced a search for the man.
He was tracked to a nearby park where some clothing was found, but police were unable to locate him.
Items seized included the alleged offender's wooden stake, from which DNA samples were taken.
According to police, the samples were returned, a warrant issued and on Tuesday a man was arrested at Goulburn Police Station.
The 28-year-old was charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.
He was bail refused to appear before Goulburn Local Court on Wednesday.