Police are looking for help from the public to find two jewelry thieves who assaulted a shop owner with bear spray in October.
On October 2, three thieves robbed a jewelry store in North Nanaimo, stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise while assaulting the owner. One male suspect, 39-year-old James Stoppard, was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody.
The Nanaimo RCMP’s Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement Unit is now asking for public assistance to locate the other two robbers. They are looking for 45-year-old Robert Hawkins and 41-year-old Tamara Prince.
The charges sworn against Hawkins consist of Robbery, Assault with a Weapon, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of Stolen Property and Theft over $5000. Charges laid against Prince consist of Theft and Possession of Stolen Property over $5000.
Hawkins is a Caucasian man, 6 foot one and heavy set. The picture provided is recent. Tamara Prince is an Indigenous woman, 5 foot 9 and heavy set. Her picture is also recent.
If you know the whereabouts of either Hawkins or Prince, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345. If seen, do not approach and call 911.
