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Man charged with robbing North Vancouver gas station to pay for his meal

Suspect allegedly threatened Esso attendant with a screwdriver

A Surrey man is facing charges after allegedly robbing a North Vancouver gas station to pay for a $38 tab hed racked up at the restaurant next door.

Surrey resident Cory Henderson, 21, had been dining at Browns Social House at Lonsdale and 18th Street on Friday night, when he attempted to leave without paying the bill. He was approached by staff, and told them to call the police, stating he would be next door at the Esso station.

Moments later, North Vancouver RCMP received a holdup alarm at the Esso station, where the same man allegedly held a screwdriver to the attendants neck and stole a small amount of cash. He immediately returned to the restaurant to make good on his bill, but was soon arrested at the scene.

Corp. Richard De Jong of the North Vancouver RCMP said its not unusual for a dine-and-dasher to return later with a guilty conscience to pay their bill, but to steal services and then to steal money to pay for those services is out of the ordinary.

RCMP held Henderson until Monday and have charged him with robbery, fraudulently obtaining food and beverage and possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose.

A psychiatric evaluation has been ordered given the unusual nature of the crimes, noted De Jong.

Henderson has been released on bail ahead of his next court date Sept. 7.

tholloway@nsnews.com