VPD arrests shoplifter after worker threatened with baton

Vancouver Police arrested a 28-year-old shoplifter Friday after he allegedly pulled a baton on a grocery store worker who asked him to put on a mask.

The victim, 20, was working inside the Robson Street grocery store around 5 p.m. on Friday when he saw a shopper walking around without a mask.

When the worker asked the man to cover up, he became angry and threatened to assault the staff member. He then grabbed an apple and left without paying. After the worker followed him outside, the suspect allegedly pulled out a baton and charged at him, then took off before police arrived.

VPD officers tracked the suspect down later that night as he was allegedly trying to break into a locked compound in a mall parkade.

The man is now charged with robbery, break and enter, and possession of break-in tools.