‘They are violent:’ Nanaimo RCMP hunt for accused jewelry store robbers

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NANAIMO — Warrants have been issued for a pair of people accused of violently robbing a jewelry store in Nanaimo.

Three people smashed into Sonny’s Jewellers on Oct. 2, attacked the owner with bear spray then fled with a considerable amount of jewelry.

Reserve RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said officers arrived a short time later and were able to make quick inroads into the investigation. “Our Special Investigations Target Enforcement team, they took the lead. They arrested one individual on site…he remains in custody.”

Forty-five-year-old Robert Keith Hawkins and 41-year-old Tamara Leigh Prince are wanted in connection to the incident.

Hawkins faces multiple charges including robbery, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and theft over $5,000. He’s described as 6’1″ tall and heavy-set.

Prince faces similar theft and possession of stolen property criminal code charges, and is described as an 5’9″ tall and also heavy set.

Police note both pictures attached are recent.

The third person has been identified as 39-year-old James Stoppard. He was arrested on scene and remains in police custody.

O’Brien said the stolen items remain missing. “We’re hoping the public will help us here. If you know where they are, call us on the non-emergency line. Don’t approach them, because they are violent.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hawkins or Prince is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.