Witnesses asked to come forward following robbery with weapon at grocery store

At approximately 7:00 pm on August 17th the New Westminster Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from staff at a local grocery store. According to staff, Loss Prevention Officers at the grocery store approached a male observed stealing merchandise from the store. In response, this male began threatening staff and making stabbing motions while holding scissors and a knife. New Westminster Police Department officers rushed to the scene and located someone matching the suspect description a few blocks away. At the time of the arrest, officers located a knife nearby.

Since his arrest, 31 year old Christopher Agostino of Surrey has been charged with the following offences:

Two counts of Robbery, contrary to section 344 (1)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

"These employees were just trying to do their job," stated Justine Thom. "It’s appalling that staff were subjected to this type of abuse and it’s extremely fortunate that no one was seriously injured."