The young victim of a Good Friday armed robbery and assault on the Sunshine Coast is feeling the love of his community.
From ‘get-well’ flowers and chocolates left at his workplace to wishes for a speedy recovery sent across social media, his Meridan Plains-Little Mountain-Caloundra friends and customers have rallied behind 19-year-old Scot Ross.
The former Caloundra High School student was working at the NightOwl Convenience Store on the corner of Birrobeen Street and Parklands Boulevard, Little Mountain, at 10.40pm on April 7 when a man armed with a metal baton entered the business and demanded money and cigarettes.
Police said in a media report after the confrontation that, despite the attendant complying with the demands, Scot was struck over the head with the baton.
He sustained minor injuries requiring transport to Sunshine Coast University Hospital but a hospital spokesperson said he had not been admitted.
The robber fled the store on foot with cigarettes and cash.
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Police are appealing for public assistance to identify the man, who is described as Caucasian, about 180cm tall with a proportionate build, wearing a dark blue hoodie, black pants and grey running shoes.
No arrests or charges have yet been laid but a Queensland Police spokesperson said today that investigations were continuing.
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam in the area at the time is urged to contact police.
Scot’s father David Ross has set up a gofundme page to raise $500 to get his son back on his feet for the immediate future while he heals.
After 16 hours, the fundraiser already had received 14 donations for a total of $385.
“It’s been a fairly big impact on the lad mentally,” Mr Ross said on the fundraiser description.
“After nine tries, (he) finally got into a rental with his lovely girlfriend Noa in Caloundra West, which is pretty hard for these kids.
“It’s not an SOS but while he’s getting better and without financial support, anything would help.”
Comments on the Meridan Plains and Little Mountain Community Group on Facebook from regular customers paint a picture of a well-liked, polite lad and popular worker.
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Nicole Collins said: “I have been thinking about Scot all weekend. He is always so friendly and helpful – truly sorry this has happened to him and I hope he recovers … he has a lot of people backing him.”
Christie-Lee Lachance wrote: “I hope your son heals quickly. I think everyone in the community has been thinking of him and hoping he is OK. All the best to you and your family.”
Mr Ross said in reply: “He is doing OK but very shaken by what happened. It was a pretty horrific assault. I can imagine it would have been so scary as he wouldn’t have known if the person would stop. Horrible, senseless, cowardly act.
“I don’t understand our justice system at all. Sometimes the ones who do the worst crimes get the shortest sentences and then get out even earlier on parole.
“My Nanna and Pop were bashed in their home years ago by a man on drugs. Yes, he went to jail but not for very long. The punishment certainly didn’t match the crime…”
Even strangers such as Claire Kelly felt compelled to show their sympathy to Scot over the attack: “I don’t even know your son but it’s clear you raised a great lad after reading all these lovely comments about him. I wish him a speedy recovery. It’s so sad the crime in the area has increased.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.
Quote this reference number: QP2300584998.
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