Cigarette thief nabbed by customers at gas station

A would-be thief picked the wrong time to steal a carton of cigarettes at a Windsor Esso gas station Monday night.

As he bolted for the door, one customer grabbed him, and two others helped control him until police arrived at the station at Wyandotte Street and Marentette Avenue.

"This is a particular instance where the suspect did not have a weapon, and as such no one was physically injured. However, there is always that possibility that someone may be carrying a weapon," said police Sgt. Brett Corey.

"We encourage people to be safe and to maintain their own safety. However, the police department and police services greatly appreciates the efforts of these people," Corey said.

He said the customer who grabbed the man ended up with scraped elbows, but otherwise no one was hurt.

A 38-year-old man was charged with theft and assault with intent to resist arrest.