Nanaimo RCMP are looking for two suspects who robbed six teens at knifepoint in north Nanaimo New Year’s Day.
The group of males, all 17 to 18 years old, were walking on Uplands Drive, between Oliver and Turner roads at about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday when they noticed two men following them.
As the victims neared the Uplands Drive/Turner Road intersection, the suspects ran up, pulled out short folding knives and demanded their cell phones and cash.
“They were approached by two Caucasian males who robbed them,” said Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman. “They took their cash and cellphones.”
The suspects then walked off along Uplands Drive toward Nanaimo North Town Centre.
Because the cellphones were taken, the teens were delayed calling police until after 4 a.m. The victims were also threatened with physical harm if they called police, O’Brien said.
One of the suspects is described at about 6’1” to 6'4" tall with dark hair and a slim build. He allegedly stood by and revealed a knife while the robbery took place.
The second suspect, who allegedly committed the robbery while brandishing an eight-centimetre long knife, is described as 5’10” to 5' 11" tall in his mid 20s with red hair, a reddish goatee beard and a large protruding forehead. He was wearing a grey hoodie over a black hoodie and dark jeans.
“Based on their descriptions we’re narrowing down our list,” O’Brien said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.com.