Woman arrested after midday robbery

On August 9, 2022 at approximately 12:39 P.M. Port Alberni RCMP received a report of a robbery from a liquor store in the 3600 block of 3 Avenue.

As officers responded, they found that a staff member had suffered serious injuries by the suspect before fleeing the business. Officers were quick to identify the assailant as 31-year-old Melinda Martin of Port Alberni.

Officers canvased the area, and with a call from a citizen several hours later Ms. Martin was located several blocks away and safely taken into custody.

Our officers worked quickly to identify and arrest this dangerous person without incident, stated Constable Richard Johns we know how much crimes like this affect our community. We appreciate the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Martin before anyone else could be injured.

Officers worked hard to forward a complete report to Crown Counsel for charge approval overnight. On August 10, 2022, charges were sworn against Ms. Martin for Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and three counts of breach of conditions. Additionally, new charges have been sworn for Ms. Martin for Assault, Fraud, theft and breach over the last three months.

Our thoughts are with the victim of this violent assault, and to the rest of the employees. We will continue to work with the victim to ensure they receive the resources they need to recover from this incident both physically and mentally.