A woman who allegedly robbed a Co-op gas station was made a victim herself when her spoils were stolen by another thief.
At the Co-op gas station at 60 Victoria Crescent in Nanaimo, a 27-year-old woman named Karlee Pelletier was arrested and charged with several firearm related offences.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 11 a.m. last Thursday. Pelletier allegedly pointed a gun at the Co-op clerk, demanded money from the till be put into a backpack and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
While en route to the Co-op they were provided a description of the suspect.
Police say they quickly made it on scene and found the suspect still in the parking lot of the Co-op. Officers reportedly determined the gun was just a plastic toy while telling Pelletier to drop the gun and the backpack.
Pelletier was then arrested and led to the police cruiser.
According to RCMP, while she was being escorted to the cruiser, an unknown person seized the opportunity and grabbed the unattended backpack.
The arresting officer noticed the bag full of cash being taken and chased the male perpetrator for a short distance before catching him.
The individual who took the bag out from under the noses of the arresting officers is reportedly an 30-year-old man.
This man was also arrested and shortly after he was released on pending charges.
The money that was twice stolen was then returned to the Co-op.
“We have seen a lot of weird things but we don’t often see the robber end up being robbed,” said R/Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
“We’re just thankful the situation ended quickly and that the stolen money was recovered and returned.”
Pelletier was held overnight in police custody. Last Friday, she appeared in Nanaimo Provincial Court and was formally charged with robbery with an imitation firearm, robbery, and disguise with intent.
Following her court appearance she was remanded into custody to await her next appearance set for Thursday October 20th.
Victim Services were requested and are actively assisting the employees of the Co-op.
