British Columbia

Suspect arrested after attempted armed robbery at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver

Vancouver police say a 66-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple offences following an attempted armed robbery at a downtown retailer on Monday.

Police say officers seized weapons, including a firearm and 2 improvised explosive devices

A sign that reads 'Holt Renfrew.'
The exterior of a Holt Renfrew in Calgary. Police say a suspect has been charged after an attempted armed robbery at a Holt Renfrew store in downtown Vancouver. (David Bell/CBC)

Vancouver police say a 66-year-old suspect is facing multiple criminal charges following an attempted armed robbery at a downtown retailer.

Police say officers arrived at Holt Renfrew just before noon on Monday after reports that someone had entered the store, threatened to shoot staff and attempted to steal merchandise.

They say officers arrested the suspect outside the store, located at Granville and Dunsmuir streets, with help from a witness.

Police say officers then seized weapons, including a firearm and two improvised explosive devices, which were rendered safe by explosive technicians with the department's Emergency Response Section.

They say the suspect has been charged with robbery, uttering threats to cause death and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. 

With files from The Canadian Press