By Spencer Sterritt

Syringe used in weekend robbery at Nanaimo yarn store

Feb 20, 2017 | 11:42 AM

NANAIMO — A fairly uncommon weapon was used in an attempted robbery in Nanaimo – a syringe.

According to RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien, a 22-year-old man allegedly attempted to rob the Mad About Ewe yarn store on Wesley St. at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday.

He said store employees did the right thing by stepping away from the till and removing themselves from the situation when confronted with the syringe.

The suspect then panicked and fled before being found in medical distress minutes later, according to RCMP. He was arrested after being cleared from the hospital.

O’Brien said they’ve seen syringes being used in robberies more frequently.

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“It’s considered a very dangerous situation, which is why he’s been arrested and being held in custody.”

Victim Services is helping customers and employees who were traumatized by the experience.

The suspect was arrested for attempted robbery and breaching conditions of his recognizance stemming from a previous robbery.

He’ll appear in Nanaimo Provincial Court this afternoon.

Spencer.sterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit