A Sunday evening turned tragic in Surry Hills when a man died after falling five storeys from a unit block on Belvoir Street while allegedly fleeing police following an armed robbery at a local grocery store.
The incident began around 8pm on 24 August at Aruma Grocery on Devonshire Street, where police allege a masked man threatened staff with a large knife before making off with the cash register containing approximately $180.
Shop owner Faris Alwiswih described the frightening encounter, revealing that a customer in the store attempted to intervene by using a mop to stop the alleged robber. Despite refusing to hand over cash directly, the masked man took the entire cash register before fleeing the premises.
The alleged offender reportedly met with a 21-year-old woman outside the store, and the pair crossed the busy road and light rail tracks to reach nearby unit blocks.
Following their investigations, officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command tracked the suspects to a unit block on Belvoir Street approximately one hour later, around 9.10pm. When police entered the building, the man allegedly ran towards a unit balcony and jumped, falling five storeys to the ground.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Scott Tanner confirmed that police immediately provided first aid to the man, who was believed to be in his 40s. NSW Ambulance paramedics rushed him to St Vincent’s Hospital, but he died during transport.
The 21-year-old woman, identified as Tiahna Hatch, was arrested at the scene. She has been charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, destroying or damaging property under $2,000, and hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty. Hatch appeared in court on Monday and was granted bail, walking free from Surry Hills Police Station on Monday afternoon.
The incident has prompted a critical incident investigation by a team from Inner West Police Area Command. The investigation will undergo independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, with a report to be prepared for the Coroner.
For local residents and business owners along Devonshire Street, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by small retailers. The Aruma Grocery, located at 214 Devonshire Street, is a neighbourhood convenience store that serves the local community.
The man who died has not been formally identified, pending coronial processes.
The incident represents another concerning case in what police describe as an armed robbery that escalated into tragedy, highlighting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of such crimes in urban environments.
Published 25-August-2025
