RCMP bike patrol unit officers were able to round up two robbery suspects, thanks to help from the victim and a concerned citizen.
The incident unfolded at the A&W restaurant on Victoria Crescent in downtown Nanaimo shortly before 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16.
According to reserve Const. Gary O鈥橞rien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, the victim, a 66-year-old man from out of town, was having breakfast when the suspects grabbed his cellphone and bolted for the restaurant鈥檚 exit door. He gave chase, along with another restaurant patron, to 鈥渢ry to prevent these guys from taking off.鈥�
It so happened that RCMP bike patrol officers were nearby and saw the commotion breaking out on the street.
鈥淭hey see the scuffle, they get involved, they recognize one of the suspects and they arrest him,鈥� O鈥橞rien said.
The second suspect managed to flee, but police caught up with him 鈥渁 short time and distance away.鈥�
The victim sustained cuts and bruises in the altercation. O鈥橞rien did not have information on whether the Good Samaritan who assisted the victim sustained injuries.
鈥淲e want to thank the other individual in the restaurant who, without regard for his own personal safety, got involved. His actions undoubtedly saved the victim from further injury and bought the police enough time to make an arrest,鈥� O鈥橞rien said.
Both suspects were arrested 鈥� one suspect for breach of probation and assault and the other for theft under $5,000 鈥� and will appear in provincial court in Nanaimo on Jan. 16.
鈥淭hey were released to allow the officers sufficient time to collect the evidence necessary to substantiate the charges,鈥� O鈥橞rien said.
One piece of evidence regarding the theft still needs to be collected. While police managed to nab both suspects, they were unable to locate the cellphone. Investigators are continuing to look for a green iPhone 13. Anyone who finds the phone or has information regarding its whereabouts is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345 and refer to file No. 2023-39857.
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