Shoplifter quickly arrested for assault at grocery store

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A shoplifter was arrested Tuesday after punching a loss prevention officer at a Fort St. John grocery store.

On May 9th, just before 8:52 p.m., the local RCMP received a call about an assault that took place at a store on the 9200 block of 100th Street. The only grocery store within the block is Safeway.

Officers attended and spoke with the loss prevention officer and witnesses.

Patrolling mounties located a man around 9:09 p.m. matching the suspect’s description and arrested him for assault.

According to the RCMP, the individual was on existing orders to not possess any incendiary devices or flammable products but was found to have multiple lighters.

The man reportedly remains in police custody and is being held for court to face charges of assault and breach of release order, but charges have not yet been approved.