Port Alberni RCMP have arrested one man after the latest business robbery

Another business fell victim to robbery at 9:30 AM on December 6, 2022 as a man entered the store dressed in all black, his face covered by a balaclava. This is the latest in a string of robberies reported to the Port Alberni RCMP from businesses in the area.

Staff from a business in the 4100 block of Redford Street called police to report that the man had just ran off in an unknown direction.

Minutes after the suspect left the store, Police Service Dog Jammer, and his handler were on his trail and he was located just blocks away by patrolling officers.

This latest incident has many similarities to five others over the last week and half, stated Constable Richard Johns. Front line officers are working closely with our Forensic Identification, Crime Reduction, and Major Crime Units to determine if these robberies were carried out by one person.

On December 7, 2022 the BC Prosecution Service approved charges of Robbery and wearing a Disguise with intent on a 25 year old Port Alberni man, who has been remanded in custody for a court date later this month.

Should our investigation determine that this man is responsible for the other robberies more charges will be forwarded to the BC Prosecution Service.