A local man is facing armed robbery charges following a theft at a Chatham department store.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said a man entered the store Thursday afternoon and began selecting various items, including a bicycle.
When he tried to leave without paying for the items, the man was confronted by loss prevention staff who attempted to detain him. During the confrontation, the man pulled out a pocket knife and used it in a threatening manner toward the staff.
When the man attempted to flee the scene, the loss prevention team contacted police shortly after 2 p.m. while pursuing him.
Officers arrived at the area and located a suspect on Gregory Drive at around 3:30 p.m.
As a result, a 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged with robbery with a weapon, theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failing to comply with an undertaking, and two counts of failing to comply with probation.
The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.
