No connection between 2 knifepoint robberies in 2 days at Island gas stations, police say
Police north of Nanaimo are asking the public for help identifying a man suspected of robbing a gas station in the village of French Creek earlier this week, while police in Saanich say they have a suspect in a similar - but unrelated - incident in custody.
The incident happened shortly before 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2, at a Shell gas station in the 800-block of Island Highway West, according to a news release from Oceanside RCMP.
Police said a masked man "entered the store, produced a knife and demanded cash from the clerk."
The suspect fled on foot, but officers were unable to find him, despite help from a police dog and forensic services.
No one was injured in the incident, but police said the clerk was "understandably shaken up" by the robbery.
Police released a surveillance image of the suspect, describing him as a white man wearing blue jeans, a light grey Carhartt hooded sweatshirt with the brand's name on the left sleeve, "white runners with two dark stripes on either side and a dark blue balaclava with white graphics."
He stands approximately 5'11" tall and was carrying a "light-and-dark-blue" Nike bag on his back, police said.
Oceanside RCMP are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect or has dash cam video from the area around the time the robbery took place to contact them at 250-248-6111 and quote file number 2021-12702.
NO EVIDENCE OF CONNECTION TO SAANICH INCIDENT, POLICE SAY
The French Creek incident has some similarities to another gas station robbery that took place in Saanich the following day.
According to a news release from the Saanich Police Department, a man entered the store at the corner of Burnside Road West and Harriet Road around 3 p.m. Friday. He produced a knife and demanded money from the cashier.
Saanich police said he left with "an undisclosed amount of cash" and was seen driving away in a red Hyundai Kona on Burnside Road West.
Police said the Hyundai had been reported stolen in Nanaimo earlier in the day, and asked the public to be on the lookout for the vehicle and the suspect.
On Saturday, Saanich police confirmed to CTV News that the vehicle and the suspect had been taken into custody, and said there does not appear to be any connection to the French Creek robbery.
Similarly, Oceanside RCMP said although their investigation is in its early stages, they have no information linking the Saanich robbery to their file.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Florida deputies who fatally shot U.S. airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says
Deputies responding to a disturbance call at a Florida apartment complex burst into the wrong unit and fatally shot a Black U.S. Air Force airman who was home alone when they saw he was armed with a gun, an attorney for the man's family said Wednesday.
Air Canada ranks near bottom on customer satisfaction: survey
Air Canada ranks below most other major North American airlines on customer satisfaction, with airfares a particular sore point, according to a new survey.