A man who allegedly stole a bicycle from a youth after throwing a drink to distract him has been arrested and is facing numerous charges for other crimes.

Nanaimo RCMP, in a press release, noted that the incident of bike theft that happened July 4 generated "significant interest and outrage from the public" over social media.

The ensuing investigation, handled by the special investigations/targeted enforcement unit, caught a break Aug. 24 when the primary suspect in the theft was arrested for shoplifting at a local supermarket. During that incident the suspect allegedly brandished a handgun.

A 48-year-old man was arrested and is being held in custody. He is being charged with 13 offences including seven counts of theft under $5,000, robbery, two counts of uttering threats, two count

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