An armed man with an Australian accent held up the Crofton Hotel Wine and Beer store Monday night.
The incident left the lone female employee "understandably shaken," said police. "A masked man entered the store just before 11 p.m. Monday night, wielding a knife and demanding all of the cash in the till," North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Krista Hobday said. "The female employee handed over the cash and the man fled."
It was only after he left that the staffer was able to call for help.
"Duncan RCMP Victim Services attended the scene and offered their services to the visibly shaken employee," Hobday said.
Despite the terror of her ordeal, the employee was able to tell police they're looking for a very pale, freckled Caucasian man standing about five-foot-six inches tall. He has a slender build, blue eyes, and is about 25 years old.
The man wore a black balaclava with two turquoise horizontal stripes, a dark hoodie and gloves. He is believed to have possibly left the area in a dark-coloured Sunfire.
Those with information regarding this or any other crime are encouraged to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).