NANAIMO — Police are looking for three suspects following a liquor store robbery at Brooks Landing where bear spray was used.
Police say on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, around 10:30 p.m., three suspects entered The Landing Liquor Store, resulting in the male suspect allegedly stealing several expensive bottles of Scotch whiskey.
When confronted by staff the man unloaded bear spray toward staff and ran out of the store. It’s believed the female suspects were trying to distract the employees during the theft.
Police arrived on the scene, while the employees declined medical assistance. Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The male suspect is in his mid 20’s, approximately 6 ft. 2, with dark gelled hair. One of the female suspects is believed to be a heavy set, Indigenous, and wearing a long grey jacket with a red hoodie underneath. The other female suspect was Caucasian with a slim build, wearing a black and yellow face mask. (Nanaimo RCMP)Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said bear spray is a weapon favoured by criminals because it can be purchased by anyone over the age of 18.
“It ups the ante from the original offence of possession of a prohibited weapon to assault with a weapon. Some people have significant reactions to pepper spray, which can cause them to go into anaphylactic shock.”
O’Brien also said store owners should be more aware of this type of robbery, especially in places open late with limited employees.
“It’s a common technique used by criminals where they use other people in the commission of the crime to distract the clerk and they make away with the goods.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2022-9736
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