Port Alberni RCMP officers capture robbery suspect

On November 9, 2022 at approximately 10:30 PM, the Port Alberni RCMP received a report of a robbery that had just occurred at a gas station in the 3900 block of Johnston Rd.

According to the staff, the suspect entered the store, told the employee that he had a gun in is pocket and demanded cash from the register. After obtaining the cash, the suspect fled on foot. Officers were on scene within in minutes and with the assistance of Police Service Dog Jammer, quickly located, and arrested the suspect nearby. The RCMP do not believe the suspect ever had a weapon.

The Port Alberni RCMP recommended charges of Robbery as well as Failing to comply with an Undertaking. The following day, the BC Prosecution Service swore both charges against 31-year-old Nathan Mearns. A Judge has remanded Mearns in custody for a court date later this week.

Crimes such as these take a toll on our community through many ways, especially on the staff that are often traumatized by these events. Our Victim Services department have been in touch with staff and will continue to work with them as they need, stated Constable Richard Johns, media relations officer. The employee took the safest route and complied with the demands of the suspect which in the end provided the best outcome possible.