Shoplifter steals chocolate and drops handgun while fleeing the store

West Shore

2023-04-27 09:35 PDT

File # 2023-7774

On April 25 at approximately 10:50 p.m., the West Shore RCMP received a report of a shoplifter at Shoppers Drug Mart located at 300-2945 Jacklin Rd in Langford.

Police learned that a male suspect had stolen several boxes of chocolate bars. The suspect was confronted by witnesses and was hurrying out the store when a handgun fell out of his waistband. The suspect left the handgun on the floor and continued out of the store. The suspect did not threaten or point the handgun at anyone.

Officers immediately attended the area and learned the male had gotten onto a BC Transit bus. The bus was located and stopped by police and the suspect was safely arrested without issues for theft and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose. Police determined the handgun to be a water pistol painted black in an effort to make it appear real.

Carrying a weapon or anything that looks like a weapon, in a manner that could be dangerous to the public is against the law. In this case, a water pistol painted to look real and tucked into the suspect’s waistband is alarming and calls public safety into question. We are recommending the appropriate charges of theft and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose against the suspect, said Cpl. Nancy Saggar West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.

The suspect who is identified as 18-year-old resident of Saanich, was released on an Undertaking with conditions to not attend the Shoppers Drug Mart or to be in possession of weapons including firearms.
 

Released by:

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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