Charges have been laid in relation to the robbery of an Abbotsford restaurant last Thursday (Dec. 9) followed by a shoplifting incident.
Abbotsford Police Const. Paul Walker said the first incident took place at 1:18 p.m., when patrol officers responded to a robbery in progress at a restaurant in the 32500 block of South Fraser Way.
He said a man approached the cashier, presented an “edged weapon,” and left after obtaining an undisclosed amount of cash. Walker said no employees or customers were hurt.
Moments later, the suspect went to a nearby department store and shoplifted, but he was caught by store security – unaware of the restaurant robbery – and held for police.
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Walker said it took 17 minutes from the time of the robbery to the arrest by police.
Christian Montes-Cardenas has now been charged with robbery, breaching his bail conditions and theft under $5,000.
Walker commended the many people who played a role leading to the arrest and charges, including the witnesses of the robbery, the store security who detained the suspect, and the responding officers who pieced together the two incidents.
“This is an example of the community coming together, taking a stand that crime isn’t acceptable here in Abbotsford,” he said.
vhopes@abbynews.com
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