A masked robber remains on the run after two men were held at gunpoint during a carjacking overnight.
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The two victims were in sitting in a car in Granville Street at West Launceston when two masked people turned up outside the vehicle, and threatened them on Tuesday night.
Addressing media on Wednesday, acting Detective Inspector Tony Stewart said the man and woman allegedly used a handgun to threaten the two men before stealing cash, mobile phones and driving off in the victim's car.
Police swarmed the area, searching vehicles, and knocking on doors before officers later spotted the stolen car in Wellington Street at South Launceston, and tried to intercept.
The car ended up in Pedder Street, when the people inside fled into the bush.
Shortly after, police received reports of a woman hiding in the backyard of a house in High Street at East Launceston.
Michelle Anne Hodge, 27 of Rocherlea, was arrested at the scene and appeared in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
She pleaded not guilty to both charges of aggravated carjacking and aggravated armed robbery.
Magistrate Simon Brown remanded her in custody to appear in the Launceston Supreme Court on August 30.
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The two victims, in their 20s, were not physically injured during the alleged carjacking.
"They were obviously quite shaken ... they were threatened, and taken out of the car, which is obviously quite shocking for them," acting Detective Inspector Stewart told media on Wednesday.
"It's an extreme case of carjacking ... with a firearm involved, and it is quite concerning that level of violence, but a very rare occurrence."
It was believed the two victims did not know their attackers.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or suspicious activity in the areas of Granville, Pedder and High streets about 6.30pm has been asked to contact Launceston CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
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Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
