The Prince George RCMP is cautioning the public in regards to some recent violence experienced by local store employees.
Just after 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police received a report of a shoplifter at a retail store on the 1900-block of Victoria Street.
Officers were told the female suspect left the store but punched an employee and uttered some threats on the way out.
Police say the suspect was located a short time later, and was arrested for uttering threats and assault.
She was released on an Undertaking and will appear in court at a future date, the suspect is known to police for similar offenses.
Just after 9:00 p.m. on the same day, police responded to a complaint of an assault in the 2100-block of Ferry Avenue.
According to police, witnesses stated a man suspected of shoplifting was approached by an employee in order to recover the stolen items.
Police say the suspect brandished a small knife at the employee, and then spat on him.
The suspect was later located, and identified as 29-year-old PG resident, Miko Joakim Louhenkorpi.
Police say Louhenkorpi was arrested and held in custody until he could attend court.
The BC Prosecution Service approved on charge of Robbery against Louhenkorpi, and he will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
“We want to inform the public that we are seeing an increase in the level of violence displayed by shoplifters in Prince George, and to have this information in mind if they are going to approach someone they suspect of stealing,’ said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
“We recognize the burden these activities play on our local stores and retail outlets, and want to make sure employees and business owners have current information with which to create their in-store policies around these matters.
Both files remain under investigation.
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