Warrants issued for 'violent offenders' after Nanaimo jewelry store robbery

Robert Hawkins (left) and Tamara Prince are wanted in connection with a jewerly store robbery in Nanaimo, B.C., on Oct. 2, 2024. (Handout)

Authorities are asking for the public 's help finding two suspects wanted in connection with a Nanaimo, B.C., jewelry store robbery earlier this year.

The RCMP said three suspects were involved in the robbery, which targeted a business in North Nanaimo on Oct. 2.

"During the robbery, the store owner was hit with a burst of bear spray," the Nanaimo detachment said in a news release Friday.

One suspect, 39-year-old James Stoppard, was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody, but two others have yet to be found.

Warrants have since been issued for 45-year-old Robert Hawkins and 41-year-old Tamara Prince.

Authorities described Hawkins as a white man, 6'1" tall, and "heavy set." He has been charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, theft over $5,000, and possession of stolen property.

Prince is described as an Indigenous woman, 5'9" and also "heavy set." She is charged with theft and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Nanaimo RCMP asked anyone with information on the whereabouts of either suspect to call the detachment's non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.

Anyone who sees Hawkins or Prince is advised not to approach them, but to call 911.