Police are searching for a grocery-store thief who sprayed an unknown substance in the eyes of a customer who dared to confront him.
The incident occurred last Wednesday at the Food Basics on Hartzel Road in St. Catharines.
Below is the full press release from police:
NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
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On Wednesday March 16, 2022, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers assigned to 1 District (St. Catharines) responded to a theft in-progress at Food Basics, located on Hartzel Road, in the City of St. Catharines.
Investigation revealed a male suspect entered the store and was observed by a good Samaritan stealing items from the shelf. The good Samaritan notified employees and followed the suspect into the parking lot where a confrontation ensued. The suspect pulled an aerosol can from his pocket and sprayed the contents into the face/eyes of the good Samarian. The spray caused minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The suspect then entered a dark coloured 4-door Mazda vehicle and fled the scene.
1 District detectives have assumed carriage of the investigation and have obtained images of the suspect and the suspects vehicle. Detectives are appealing to the public for assistance identifying the suspect who is wanted for the offence of robbery.
The suspect is described as follows:
- Male
- White
- Approximately 40 years of age
- 5’7” tall
- Medium/heavy build
- Wearing a black baseball hat, blue jeans, black coat, black mask
- Carrying a black duffle bag
The suspect’s vehicle is described as follows:
- Black
- Mazda
- 4 doors
- No front licence plate affixed
Anyone with information is asked to contact 1 District detectives at 905-688-4111, extension #1009412
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.
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