Three years for gas station robbery

Charles Heward was on bail when he committed the robbery in Abbotsford.

A man who was on bail for robbery charges in Chilliwack was handed a three-year jail term on June 18 for a similar offence in Abbotsford four months ago.

Charles Anthony Heward, 25, pleaded guilty to robbing the Shell gas station at 2016 McCallum Rd. on Feb. 4. He produced, but did not use, a metal pipe during the incident.

Police identified him through surveillance video that was captured before and during the robbery.

Abbotsford Police Det. Kevin Murray said Heward did not cover his face while he was in the Husky gas station across the street just prior to the incident.

He was wearing the identical clothing in video obtained from the Shell, and then used a cab – which he had called from the Husky – to make his escape.

Murray said Heward was tracked to his Abbotsford residence from cab records and was arrested without incident.

According to the provincial court database, Heward has several prior convictions, and has served jail time, for offences such as possession of stolen property, theft and break-and-enter.

Abbotsford News