VPD arrests man wanted Canada-wide for several violent retail thefts

Vancouver police arrested a man who was wanted on multiple Canada-wide warrants in the Downtown Eastside Friday.

Officers had been patrolling the area near Pigeon Park at Carrall and Hastings when they detained the man for drinking in public. It was then that they discovered his outstanding warrants, which relate to retail robberies and weapons offences.

Jonathan Andrew Yorke’s alleged crimes related to several incidents in Vancouver last year, including a robbery at an East Van liquor store in February 2024, which involved a worker being sprayed with mace, the VPD says.

Another incident was a theft and assault with a weapon at a liquor store on Cambie Street in October 2024, where a suspect fought with staff members while trying to flee.

As well, he is alleged to have committed robbery, theft, and weapons offences at a West Side grocery store in November 2024. This incident saw three suspects trying to steal multiple items, threatening to stab staff, and then getting away in a taxi.

Yorke has been taken back to jail and remains in custody.