Suspected LCBO thief charged with using syringe as weapon

Police are investigating another incident that involved a syringe being used as a weapon.

Thunder Bay Police Service officials say a 33-year-old man is in custody following an attempted theft at the LCBO outlet at Thunder Centre.

Police say shortly after 7 p.m. Friday night a man entered the liquor store and was taken into custody by security staff for allegedly attempting to steal two bottles of alcohol.

After being apprehended, the staff noticed the man was carrying a used syringe in his hand.  Police spokesman Chris Adams says the man is now facing two charges –theft under $5,000 and possession of a weapon.

Adams added that it appears the needle was not used in a threatening manner to any staff members, but the man is being charged with possession of a weapon because he had it in his hand while committing another crime. 

This is the fourth crime involving a syringe in Thunder Bay in the past month. 

Three local pharmacies were robbed recently by suspects who were carrying a syringe as a weapon.