In what was apparently Vancouver Island’s first Halloween-themed crime of the season, a man wearing a Grim-reaper costume and a “Scream” mask terrorized the employees at the Harewood Arms Beer and Wine store on Saturday, September 30th.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, the suspect entered the store allegedly brandishing a large knife and a baseball bat, started banging the bat on the counter, and forced the store clerks to hand him money from the till.
No Injuries During Late Night Robbery
The incident occurred at around 10:40 PM. Afterward, money in hand, the robber ran out the front door and seen heading westbound towards Howard Ave.
Although no one was physically injured, the employees were understandably traumatized by the experience.
Officers arrived on scene with Police Services Dogs but were unable to locate the suspect. However, the bat and knife believed to have been used in the robbery were found abandoned near the store the next day.
The suspect is described as male, between 5’6″ – 5’9″ in height, medium build, wearing a black gown, white shirt, gloves and a Halloween ‘Scream’ mask. He was also carrying a white knapsack at the time.
If you have any information about the robbery, please call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
