Police are looking for a man in his 40s who threw water and a jacket at two teenagers outside the Bowen Rd. McDonald's on Friday, July 4, before stealing one of their bicycles. (submitted photo/Nanaimo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

brazen theft

VIDEO: Man throws jacket, water at youth then steals bike outside Nanaimo McDonald’s

Jul 11, 2025 | 9:53 AM

NANAIMO — Police are looking for a man seen on security camera footage stealing a bike outside a local McDonald’s.

The incident occurred on Friday, July 4 at around 4 p.m., with two youth sitting outside the Bowen Rd. location, after a man in a black HONDA shirt left the store.

Nanaimo RCMP Res. Cst. Gary O’Brien said the man then walked straight up to the pair.

“Without any prior warning, he throws a cup of water at them, he throws a jacket at them, and takes one of their bikes. They give chase, but they wisely stopped, because he utters some very clear threats at them.”

Security camera footage captured the individual as he exited the store. (submitted photo/Nanaimo RCMP)

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The two youths stopped and called police, however officers were unable to locate the suspect or the bike.

O’Brien added the bike was located on Monday, ridden by an individual not associated with the theft.

A social media post from the mother of one of the youth said the bike was returned “with very minimal damage”.

She added the threats which came from the man included one to kill the youth.

Police describe the suspect as a man in his early 40’s, a medium build with a goatee. He was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans at the time, with a dark baseball cap.

O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW the local detachment is not familiar with the individual.

“Generally, we don’t release a video unless we’ve exhausted our resources, and at this point we can’t identify who this person is. He may be from outside Nanaimo, we’re not sure, but we’re pretty sure once the public sees this theft, they’re going to be outraged and we’re going to get inundated with tips.”

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact Nanaimo RCMP at 250 754 2345, quoting file number 2025-20616.

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