Vancouver: 2 Women Arrested After Store Incidents

Vancouver police say two women were arrested after separate alleged thefts at downtown stores and violence against security guards on Thursday afternoon. One guard was allegedly bitten on the hand, while another was allegedly slashed on the arm and threatened. Both women remain in custody.

Police received the first theft report at approximately 3:20 p.m. from a clothing store near Granville and Robson streets. Staff told officers a woman had taken several clothing items and left without paying. Police allege she became violent and bit a security guard on the hand when the guard tried to arrest her. The 60-year-old woman was arrested for robbery and remains in custody.

About an hour later, police received another report from the same area. A woman was accused of taking a speaker from an electronics store and trying to leave without paying. When a security guard tried to take her into custody, she allegedly slashed his arm with a weapon, threatened to kill him and fled, police said.

Police broadcast a description to officers working downtown. About 20 minutes later, a Special Municipal Constable saw a woman matching the description near Mainland and Nelson streets. Officers responded and arrested her without incident.

The 43-year-old woman was taken to jail and remains in custody. She has been charged with one count each of theft, uttering threats, assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm, police said. Const. Megan Lui said the incidents highlight dangers faced by retail workers and security staff.