Delta police arrest armed youth after alleged robbery, shoplifting

Three teens have been arrested and charges are being recommended after an alleged robbery and shoplifting incident in Delta, police say.

The group entered a retail store at the Tsawwassen Mills shopping mall on Tuesday and two of the teens stole various items while the other attempted to distract store staff, the Delta PD says. Police received a shoplifting report soon after this.

One officer responded to the call and found and confronted the three suspects. When they were told they were arrested, all three attempted to run away. The officer apprehended one suspect, who was in possession of several stolen items, as well as bear spray and an imitation firearm.

After further investigation, the officer found a discarded bag linked to the suspects. Police say it contained more stolen property and a second imitation firearm.

Police later found and arrested the other two suspects in a residential area nearby. At that time, they found a third imitation firearm in the teens’ possession.

Delta PD says it has recommended charges of theft under $5,000 and obstructing a police officer against all three teens. Two of them face a charge of robbery.

The youths were released to their parents’ custody.