Sidney North Saanich RCMP are searching for a man in connection with an armed robbery of the Panago pizza shop in Sidney early Saturday morning and have now released a video capture image of the suspect.
Just before 1 a.m., a male entered the business on Bevan Avenue, went behind the counter and enticed the employee to empty the till, using what appeared to be a black handgun. The man obtained a small amount of cash before fleeing on foot.
Officers and a police services dog were brought in to search the vicinity, but were unable to find the suspect. Corporal Chris Manseau of the Sidney North Saanich RCMP reported Tuesday afternoon that police have discovered some of the clothing believed to have been worn by the suspect, and have sent it off for forensics testing.
The employee on duty at the time of the robbery said he wasn’t able to comment, other than to say the police are investigating still and have obtained the shop’s video surveillance data. The staff member, who didn’t wish his name to be used, added the incident was a first for him and that he is doing fine following the robbery.
Another employee, who said she was working that night but had left before the robbery took place, added something like this is really unexpected in Sidney.
The suspect is described as Caucasian, with blonde hair and blonde eyebrows in his late 20s to early 30s, approximately six feet tall with a stocky build. He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved hoodie, green camouflage pants, dark shoes, a balaclava and gloves. He was also described as speaking with “a smoker’s voice.”
The RCMP are requesting anyone who may have been awake or around the area of Sidney near Bevan Ave., 5th St., Ocean Ave., Oakville Ave. or Highway 17 between midnight and 2 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 to contact the police — even if you believe you didn’t witness the suspect.
Anyone who may have seen the individual in the area is asked to contact the Sidney North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931 or Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-8477).
— with files from Steven Heywood, Peninsula News Review
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