Several Nanaimo RCMP officers attended the Pipers Lagoon Liquor Store for what ended up being a false alarm. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FALSE ALARM

Liquor store ‘armed robbery’ sparks massive police response

Jun 17, 2020 | 1:55 PM

NANAIMO — A cigarette lighter sparked a heavy police response in north Nanaimo late last week.

Nanaimo RCMP said they were called to Piper’s Lagoon Liquor Store around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12 when an armed robbery was thought to have occurred.

Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW a witness saw a man leaving the store with a case of beer and what appeared to be a gun.

“Our members responded, we stopped the vehicle and removed two occupants from it without incident. We did locate what was a lighter described as a gun.”

Police confirmed with the witness what they saw was in fact the lighter and the two people inside the car were sent on their way.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

12h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

14h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

15h ago

Nanaimo RCMP identified the lighter that sparked a massive police response on Friday, June 12 when it was believed to be a gun. (Nanaimo RCMP)

No charges were laid.

“He might think twice about having that type of lighter in his pocket from here on in,” O’Brien said.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW