Police have charged a 21-year-old North Bay woman with "assault with a weapon" after a handheld blowtorch was used in an effort to escape while shoplifting.
A woman entered a business on Fisher Street yesterday, gathering items in a shopping cart totalling approximately $735 in value. When she tried to leave without paying an employee confronted her.
The shoplifter "brandished a handheld blowtorch and attempted to assault the victim with the weapon. Police were contacted at which point the accused fled the area. ," said police.
She was found and arrested at the corner of Trout Lake Road and Highways 11/17.
The victim did not sustain any injuries
Charged is Joanne Agawa. She faces charges of:
- Assault with a weapon
- Theft under $5,000
- Two counts of failing to comply with a probation order
Agawa was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
