Teens arrested after flare fired in convenience store, causing major damage

NANAIMO, B.C. – The RCMP say two 16-year-olds have been arrested after an alleged shoplifting at a convenience store in Nanaimo, B.C., on Saturday that involved a flare being fired inside the building.

Const. Gary O’Brien says one teen was arrested Sunday in Nanaimo and the second was picked up in nearby Ladysmith on Monday.

He says in a statement that both remain in custody while the investigation continues.

O’Brien says the youths, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, both face four charges, including arson and robbery.

Firefighters extinguished a fire at the convenience store after the flare ignited merchandise, causing extensive structural damage to the Circle K.

The lone clerk working at the store was not injured but O’Brien says the worker was traumatized.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2020.