Within 15 minutes of an armed robbery Wednesday afternoon, Chilliwack RCMP had the suspect in custody.
Police got a call at around 1:40 p.m. Wednesday that a lone male had robbed the Winners store in Chilliwack Mall. He apparently handed a teller a note, saying he had a gun.
A short time earlier a Salvation Army volunteer staffing a Christmas kettle at the mall was threatened with a hypodermic needle. The male demanded the cash from the kettle, claiming he had HIV.
Chilliwack RCMP immediately set up a perimeter around the mall and issued a description of the male suspect.
By 1:55 p.m., 45-year-old Keith Silver, of no fixed address, was located and arrested near Knight Road.
Police allege he was responsible for both incidents.
Although the Silver did not have a gun when arrested, he did have a needle, police say.
“Threatening volunteers and attempting to take donations that are meant for those in the community with need is despicable,” said RCMP Const. Cynthia Kershaw.
No money was taken, Kershaw said, because the donation kettle was firmly locked in place.
Silver has been charged with two counts of robbery and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on Dec. 2.