Woodgrove Centre in Nanaimo was evacuated Monday afternoon shortly before closing as police entered with heavy weapons, handling an 'active situation'. (Spencer Sterritt)

By NanaimoNewsNow Staff

Woodgrove incident

Youth male in Nanaimo RCMP custody after Woodgrove Shopping Centre evacuation

Jul 15, 2019 | 11:46 AM

NANAIMO – Nanaimo’s largest mall was shut down at approximately 5:30 on Monday afternoon as RCMP investigated an “active situation.”

RCMP Sgt. Jon Stuart confirmed to NanaimoNewsNow a youth was spotted inside the mall with what’s believed to be a firearm. He was arrested at a separate location, away from Woodgrove Centre, at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Stuart described it as a very concerning situation.

“We’re not sure at this point in time what his motives were, but we’re just happy we were able to get here, secure the place and keep everyone safe.”

Around 15 RCMP vehicles descended on the mall.

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“I heard some alarms go off then all of a sudden we were immediately evacuated.” _{Woodgrove employee}

“We were told that for safety, we had to get out now by RCMP officers. They were armed and in a hurry.”

RCMP officers officially cleared the mall at approximately 6:30 p.m. Employees who remained on site were allowed to return to work and collect their belongings.

“I initially thought it was shoplifting because I saw a couple of retailers slam down their gates,” said another mall employee. “A lot of people were running out of the mall, kids and parents running towards the exits.”

“It was quite nerve wracking,” said Lily, a Woodgrove store employee. “I’ve never seen that many cops with weapons drawn, running fast towards someone.”

Further details from Nanaimo RCMP are expected Tuesday morning.

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