It took only seconds for a masked man to barge into a store in Duncan, assault staff with bear spray and take some merchandise.

Gord Malcolm owns Heritage Pawn Brokers and told SunFM News that the July 7 robbery went by like a flash.

“He wasn’t five seconds in the shop, came in the front door, blasted my guys with pepper spray, grabbed the jewelry display case and headed out the door.”

Malcolm said the display case was tethered to the wall for security, so only a few rings fell out of the case and the culprit snatched them up before he fled.

Two staff members, one who was sprayed and one who wasn’t, chased after the robber. Malcolm explained how he believes the one was able to run even though he was sprayed with chemicals.

“He was right after him, I guess he was just so mad, he didn’t feel the pepper spray until after. But you know, when you’re just so mad that this guy comes into the store and gets violent like that, well your first reaction is to get him.”

The accused got away in his BMW but the employees got the vehicle plate number and description and passed it on to the police, who later caught the 30-year-old suspect, believed to be from the Lower Mainland.

Malcolm said he was glad his staff didn’t end up confronting the culprit, but rather got the pertinent information to pass on to the police. For shop owners who find themselves in the same situation, he advises not to take matters into your own hands.

“Don’t try and stop the guy, just let him take what he wants to take and get on the cops as soon as you can.”

Malcolm said they were not familiar with the accused, Ryan Gunold, before the incident.

Gunold has been charged with several offences, including robbery, wearing a mask with the intent to commit a crime and assault using a weapon. He is being kept in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for July 17.

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