Sunshine Coast RCMP used a spike belt and a roadblock to try to nab a robbery suspect in Wilson Creek on Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday, a man in his late 30s was seen attempting to steal a jacket from a store in Sunnycrest Mall.
Sgt. Danny Willis said an employee chased the suspect off. A short time later, a similarly described man stole a chainsaw from Home Hardware in Gibsons, Willis added.
"The man fled the area in a stolen grey car, which police observed in Wilson Creek," Willis said. "Police began to establish a roadblock and deploy a spike belt, but the vehicle darted into Davis Bay and hit the ditch on Laurel Avenue."
Willis said the man left the vehicle and headed towards the beach.
Police seized the vehicle and later arrested a 41-year-old Sechelt man on the beach.
As of press time Friday, no charges had been laid by police.
Police are still investigating the case and are determining if the suspect they have in custody may be connected to another break-in at Halfmoon Bay General Store.
Police were called to the store around 2 a.m. on Thursday. Police said the male suspect was wearing a black hoodie with a light coloured jacket. The vehicle used was light grey in colour and possibly an 80s model. Police did not say what was taken in the theft.
