An employee at a local store struggled with a man who tried to steal a donation jar.
On May 20, the Nelson Police Department received a 911 call from the staff at Valhalla Pure Outfitters on Baker Street when a man took a donation jar from a shelf within the store.
“When the employee confronted the man, they struggled over the jar,” says a release issued by the NPD. “Even though the gig was up, the suspect tried to keep the ill obtained booty.”
When police arrived they found the employee had recovered the jar and was standing by to assist officers. With an accurate description of the man that stole the jar, police located the suspect nearby.
The local man, well known to police, was taken into custody without a struggle.
Nelson police would like to remind people that apprehending suspects does come with risks.
“We urge citizens to call police and provide succinct, accurate information to assist police,” they say. “Those inclined to engage in citizen’s arrest should be familiar with the law allowing such arrests and be aware of the risks.”
The citizen powers of arrest section of the Criminal Code of Canada have recently been changed.