Suspect sprays fire retardant in robbery attempt

Two employees of Zorkin Insurance Brokers were threatened at knife point and sprayed with fire extinguisher retardant during an armed robbery Saturday.

Two employees of Zorkin Insurance Brokers were threatened at knifepoint and sprayed with fire extinguisher retardant during an armed robbery Saturday.

A man entered Zorkin’s Terminal Park Mall office on Estevan Road shortly before 5 p.m. and poked a knife into a female employee’s back, demanding money.

The employee gave the suspect some cash, but he began making stabbing motions, demanding more money.

The suspect had also brought a fire extinguisher with him, and when a second employee entered the office, he sprayed both women with fire retardant and fled on foot toward Stewart Avenue.

Neither employee was injured in the incident.

A police dog unit was brought in and established a track, but lost the scent a short distance away.

The suspect was wearing a faded-green hoodie, light-coloured pants and a baseball cap.

He is described as mid-30s, 5’8”, slim build, scruffy looking and might have been under the influence of drugs.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com.

 

 

 

 

Nanaimo News Bulletin