Surveillance footage of the attempted robbery at a Tim Hortons in Nanaimo.
The suspect in the robbery of a Nanaimo Tim Hortons and Scotiabank has been arrested and charged.
24-year-old Brandon Maxwell Hopkins was taken into custody in Abbotsford on Jan. 25 and appeared in Nanaimo Provincial Court Tuesday.
He was charged with two counts of Armed Robbery and one count of Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public Peace.
Nanaimo RCMP says he had no fixed address, meaning he was most likely homeless, making it difficult for police to find and arrest him.
A warrant was first issued for his arrest on Dec. 11.
Mounties say his first suspected robbery occurred at around 12 a.m. on Nov. 29. Hopkins showed up at the drive-thru window at a Nanaimo Tim Hortons while on foot.
He allegedly brandished a knife and demanded cash from the till. He then fled on foot after the employees did not give him any money.
Police say Hopkins is the suspected of robbing a Scotiabank one day later.
He allegedly entered the bank at 6750 Island Highway North, near Costco, at around 3:30 p.m and produced a note demanding cash. Police say he simulated having a weapon in the robbery.
The man was given an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing.
Police say he will remain in custody until Feb. 13.
Julian Kolsut
