Date: February 10, 2021
File: 21-2366
A suspect has been arrested after two robberies occurred in two days at different businesses in the same Saanich plaza.
On January 30, 2021 at approximately 5:30 p.m. the suspect entered a business in the 200 block of Gorge Road West, approached a cashier and produced a note demanding money. The suspect then fled the store just prior to police being called.
On February 1, 2021 at approximately 8:30 p.m. the suspect entered a different business at the same plaza, approached a cashier and demanded money. A note was produced by the suspect in addition to a threat of using a firearm. The suspect again fled prior to police arrival. In both cases, the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of money.
Patrol officers worked with Detectives with our Major Crime Unit and Street Crime Unit to identify the suspect they believed responsible for both robberies. As a result, an arrest was made in the afternoon of February 5, 2021.
Charges are being recommended against a 49-year-old local man for two counts of Robbery and one count of Using an Imitation Firearm.
“Investigators, including front-line patrol officers, worked quickly to identify a suspect responsible for these brazen crimes in our community. Search warrants were also executed on a residence in Saanich as well as a vehicle believed to be associated with the robberies.”
Cst. Markus Anastasiades
Public Information and Communications Officer