Oak Bay Police are still investigating a failed robbery attempt at Tomley’s Market on the weekend.
Officers were called to the shop at 2897 Foul Bay Rd. Friday after a lone man entered the market just before 8 p.m., approached the cashier, handed her an empty plastic grocery bag and told her to “fill it”, indicating a robbery.
“The cashier remained calm and called out to her fellow co-worker to come to the checkout stand area,” said Const. Julie Chanin in a news release. “It is believed the cashier’s hesitation to comply with the robber’s demands may have caused him to grow impatient and flee.”
As he left, the suspect haphazardly sprayed the checkout stand area and front entrance of the market with what is believed to be pepper spray.
One of the witnesses reported the suspect had what appeared to be a small black handgun tucked in the waistband of his pants. This has not been confirmed. No goods or cash were reported stolen. BC Ambulance Service treated the market employees exposed to spray.
The suspect was dressed in dark clothing and had a black balaclava covering his face. He is described as a 45- to 55-year-old white man, about five-foot-nine and weighing around 190 pounds.
A Saanich Police K9 Unit attended but could not locate the suspect.
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Oak Bay Police Department at 250-592-2424 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or victoriacrimestoppers.com
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com