Justin Philip Humphreys, 32, appeared in Dunedin District Court yesterday after allegedly taking part in a smash and grab at the Superliquor store in Princes St at 12.05am yesterday with a teenage girl.
Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond said police located Humphreys about an hour later with the assistance of CCTV footage.
Humphreys is also accused of assaulting four arresting officers before being pepper-sprayed and arrested.
All the officers were unharmed, Snr Sgt Bond said.
Yesterday Judge Deidre Orchard told Humphreys it looked like he got his teenage accomplice to "do the actual dirty work".
"He seems to me, at this time, to be a public menace frankly," Judge Orchard said.
Humphreys was remanded in custody to reappear next month when he will be expected to enter pleas to the charges.
