By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo RCMP searching for homeless man allegedly behind two robberies

Dec 11, 2017 | 8:44 AM

NANAIMO RCMP are on the hunt for a homeless man who they believe is behind robberies at the end of November. 

Warrants were issued for Brandon Maxwell Hopkins, a 23-year-old Nanaimo man for the attempted armed robbery of a Tim Hortons early on Wed, Nov. 29 and then the successful robbery of a northend Scotiabank later that day.

RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said while police had been optimistic they’d catch Hopkins shortly after the Scotiabank robbery, he proved to be an elusive suspect. 

“He’s currently of no fixed address so it’s hard to put him to one place. We’re expecting a lot of support from the community on this one…we’re expecting information to come in from the public about where he may be.” 

O’Brien said Hopkins could be anywhere between Nanaimo and the Oceanside area.

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Hopkins is white, 5’11”, roughly 250 lbs with black hair and hazel eyes. Police noted he has two tattoos on his right forearm spelling “Ashley” and “Star,” with another on his left forearm saying “Stay True.”

O’Brien said Hopkins should be considered armed, since a knife was used in the attempted robbery of the Tim Hortons. 

“If he has one knife, he may have another one and he may not hesitate to use it,” O’Brian said. “Don’t be a local hero, let us deal with it.”

If anyone has any information on Brandon Hopkins, they’re urged to call Nanaimo RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

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