Two teens have been arrested for allegedly firing a flare into a Nanaimo convenience store, causing significant damage.
Two people entered the Circle K convenience store on Departure Bay Road around 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, shoplifted some items and discharged a single-tube flare in the direction of the employee, police said.
The employee, who fled as merchandise caught fire, was not injured but the flare caused thousands of dollars in damage. The shattered windows have since been covered with plywood.
“This was a reckless and extremely dangerous act that has significantly impacted a local business, traumatized the clerk and could have resulted in significant personal injury to the employee,” said Nanaimo RCMP spokesman Const. Gary O’Brien.
Investigators identified the teens using video surveillance.
On Sunday, a 16-year-old male was arrested at a south Nanaimo home. A second teen, who is also 16, was arrested in Ladysmith on Monday.
The teens, who can’t be identified because of their age, are charged with arson, robbery, arson causing damage to property and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Both remain in police custody.
The investigation is ongoing.
