Nanaimo RCMP are asking for help identifying three people suspected of involvement in a liquor store robbery at Brooks Landing shopping centre earlier this spring. (Photos submitted)

Nanaimo RCMP are asking for help identifying three people suspected of involvement in a liquor store robbery at Brooks Landing shopping centre earlier this spring. (Photos submitted)

Suspects use bear spray and distraction to steal expensive Scotch from Nanaimo liquor store

Incident occurred earlier this spring at Landing Liquor Store

An employee was bear-sprayed in a robbery at a liquor store in Nanaimo earlier this spring.

According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, police are asking the public’s help to identify three suspects related to an incident that occurred 10:30 p.m. March 22, when several expensive bottles of Scotch whisky were stolen from the Landing Liquor Store at Brooks Landing shopping centre.

After being confronted by staff at the store, a man allegedly produced a bear spray canister, discharged it in the direction of the employee and fled with the liquor, the press release said. Two women were believed to have intentionally caused a distraction while the male suspect took the liquor, employees told investigators.

Police were unable to locate the suspects after a search.

The man is described as in his mid-20s and about 6-foot-2, with dark gelled hair, and was wearing white runners with a zipper at the time of the incident, said the press release. One woman, described as heavy set, was wearing a long grey jacket and red hoodie. The other woman is described as slim and was wearing a black and yellow face mask and a black hoodie with a white triangular logo on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

READ ALSO: Clerk bruised, traumatized after armed robbery at Quarterway Liquor Store


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