A Fraser woman has been remanded in custody after she allegedly threatened David Jones' security staff with a syringe before holding a woman hostage on Friday afternoon.
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Katalina Ruth Lotiola Kaihea, 28, was charged with trespass, theft and making threats to endanger health. She is expected to reappear in court next month. The ACT Magistrates Court heard as the woman was being arrested, she asked police if she could have a hit of heroin before being taken into the Watch House.
The ordeal allegedly began when the woman was stopped by security at David Jones in Civic at 3.40pm on Friday after they believed she was carrying stolen items.
Ms Kaihea returned the items, valued at $767.75, before she was asked to wait inside for police. She then allegedly threatened the two security guards with an uncapped syringe, claiming she had HIV.
She allegedly fled the store to the Braddon 7-Eleven, stopped a woman's car and jumped into the passenger's seat, claiming she was being followed and needed help.
Court documents allege when the driver refused to help, Ms Kaihea pulled a knife and held it to her face.
The driver then took Ms Kaihea to the Dickson bus interchange, with Ms Kaihea allegedly holding the knife to her face the entire drive before Ms Kaihea fled and boarded a bus.
Police identified Ms Kaihea from David Jones CCTV footage after they received a tip off from Transport Canberra that a woman matching her appearance had taken a bus to Belconnen.
Police then went to Ms Kaihea's home, and followed a car leaving the house before pulling it over.
Court documents alleged that as Ms Kaihea was being arrested she asked if she could have a hit of heroin before being taken into custody at ACT Watch House.
Ms Kaihea is expected back in court on June 18.
