A teenager has been charged and another two released pending further inquiries after an alleged armed hold-up for a few drinks at a Hunter service station.
Police said a group of young people entered the South Maitland business about 11pm on Wednesday and allegedly threatened a staff member with a knife.
They allegedly stole several drinks before leaving the scene.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District officers, with the help of the NSW Police Dog Unit, conducted an extensive search of the area and found a group of males at a nearby park - the boys fled when they saw police.
The officers chased on foot and caught two 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old.
They were arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station, where the 18-year-old was charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon.
The two 16-year-olds were released pending further inquiries, police said.
