AN alleged liquor store robber had just seven minutes to enjoy the fruits of his crime before being arrested at a bus stop Wednesday, according to a release from the West Vancouver Police Department.
The 34-year old man had robbed the Oceanside Liquor Store at 100 Park Royal South before, according to manager Aaron Bourcier, who said he was looking at the man's photo during the robbery.
"I had (his picture) a foot from my face up against the window when he came in. I was able to look at it and look at him and go, 'Oh yeah, that's him,'" Bourcier said.
Veiled by a bandana and wearing latex gloves, the alleged thief demanded the money in the register, according to Bourcier.
"He started to unzip and showed me a metal handle in his bag, and I know that last time after he left he robbed a cabdriver with a knife. I had a customer in the store standing right beside him when he walked in, so I wasn't going to muck about."
The alleged robber nabbed about $300, but Bourcier said it wasn't a perfect crime.
"The guy was clearly either cracked out or just a total moron, 'cause he walked up outside, and then stands outside and puts his bandana on in view of my camera."
West Van police and Bourcier credited an alert citizen for the quick takedown of the suspect.
"I think a guy saw him (putting on the bandana) outside and was calling the cops already as the guy came in, and when the guy ran out he ran after him and kept him in eyesight the whole time. Stayed on the line with the cops and told them which way he was going," Bourcier said.
Police attended the scene and made the arrest without incident. The stolen cash was recovered. No weapon was found.
