ON August 17 at approximately 7 p.m., New Westminster Police received a 9-1-1 call from staff at a local grocery store. According to staff, Loss Prevention Officers at the grocery store approached a male observed stealing merchandise from the store. In response, this male began threatening staff and making stabbing motions while holding a pair of scissors and a knife.

Officers rushed to the scene and located someone matching the suspect description a few blocks away. At the time of the arrest, officers located a knife nearby.

Since his arrest, 31-year-old Christopher Agostino of Surrey has been charged with two counts of robbery.

“These employees were just trying to do their job,” said Sgt. Justine Thom. “It’s appalling that staff were subjected to this type of abuse and it’s extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured.”

If you witnessed this incident and have yet to speak to officers, you are requested to contact police by calling 604-525-5411 and referencing file 22-12485.