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A man arrested this week for theft, robbery, assault and resisting ended up thanking the Victoria police officer who took him into custody.
The officer happened to know the suspect from past dealings.
The incident began when police were called to a store on Quadra Street, near Hillside Avenue, just before 7:30 p.m. Monday after a man was alleged to have shoplifted.
The man had started to fight with the loss-prevention officer who stopped him before the store manager and a passerby stepped in to assist.
Another person called 911 and informed the call taker that the suspect claimed to have a weapon and was threatening to stab people.
Additional officers were dispatched. The first one to get to the store was set upon by the suspect but managed to arrest him after a brief struggle.
No one was injured.
At that point, the suspect offered his thanks, explaining that he had been using drugs for several days and had been unable to access detox services or social supports. He told the officer that he realized he would be able to get services while he was in custody.
