kamloopsthisweek.com | kamloopsthisweek |
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022 | Volume 35 No. 44
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WHEN SHOPLIFTING BECOMES VIOLENT MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER
michael@kamloopsthisweek.com
A
Security camera footage shows a shoplifter (at left) threatening a Spirit Halloween employee with a can of pepper spray after being pursued outside the North Kamloops store on Sept. 15. As of this week, no arrests have yet been made.
kamthisweek
Kamloops man who wielded a flashlight as a weapon after stealing from a Sahali business is now facing a rash of charges — one of many recent incidents of weapons being brandished at employees. On Oct. 7 at about 5 p.m., Kamloops Mounties responded to the area of McGill Road and Summit Drive for a report of a man who had stolen items from an area business, then pulled out what appeared to be a weapon when chased by an employee. “With the assistance of the police dog service unit, officers located a suspect nearby and took him into custody without issue,” Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said in a release. Justin Wade Worthington, 42, of Kamloops, has been charged with robbery, possession of a weapon — a flashlight — for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats in con-
Security camera footage shows Interior Crafts and Hobbies owner Dean Hicks being attacked with pepper spray after pursuing a man who had stole items from Hicks’ North Kamlops store on Oct. 20. The suspect in this case was arrested and is facing charges.
nection with the incident. He was held in custody following his Oct. 18 bail hearing and is expected to plead guilty to his charges on Nov. 3. The incident is similar to a number of others recently. On Oct. 20, employees from Interior Crafts and Hobbies at 333 Tranquille Rd. in North Kamloops were attacked with pepper spray after chasing a man who had shoplifted items from the store.
Interior Crafts and Hobbies owner Dean Hicks said he saw the man shoplift an Airsoft pistol magazine and leave the store. Hicks decided to pursue the thief and ask for the item back — an action he said he has taken previously with success. This time, however, the man turned and fired a shot of what appears to have been pepper spray at Hicks. The incident was caught on the store’s secu-
rity cameras and video can be seen online at kamloopsthisweek.com. Hicks said he pursued the man because he didn’t want him to think he could shoplift without consequence, adding this was the first time he had ever been pepper sprayed when attempting to recover stolen goods. “It hurt like hell,” Hicks said, noting the burning sensation on his face and feeling of shock in the moment. “I wasn’t expecting that.” Hick’s brother then came out of the store and ran up to the thief, who can be seen turning around again and appearing to spray him, as well. Hicks’ brother was a bit farther away, however, and didn’t get as direct a hit as Hicks did. Despite being pepper sprayed, Hicks said he continued to pursue the man to a stairwell in the nearby Manshadi Pharmacy building before he lost him. “I was on a mission. I wasn’t just going to let him walk away,” Hicks said. See POLICE, A6
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