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Vancouver shoplifting suspect charged after employee threatened with knife

A man has been charged after a downtown convenience store employee was threatened at knifepoint Friday morning.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it responded to the business near the intersection of Granville and Drake streets around 6 a.m. on May 29.

Police say the victim confronted the suspect outside the store, alleging he had stolen a box of cookies. The employee claims the man stole, threatened to vandalize a vehicle, and, when confronted, brandished a knife.

“Police located the suspect a block away and arrested him without incident,” said a VPD statement Tuesday.

Since then, the BC Prosecution Service has charged a 47-year-old man with one count of assault with a weapon, uttering threats to damage property, and theft under $5,000.

The man was released under conditions, but police say he’s expected back in court on June 8.