McCulloch Station Beer and Wine Store in East Kelowna was robbed Tuesday night by two men carrying machetes.

Image Credit: mccullochstation.ca

"IT'S NOT OFTEN THAT YOU GET SOMEONE RUNNING AT YOU SCREAMING WITH A KNIFE."

KELOWNA – Jeff Turton and a cashier at McCulloch Station Beer and Wine Store were getting ready to close for the night when two men armed with machetes entered through the front door.

“There were two young guys and they walked in with balaclavas and two machete knives,” says Jeff’s brother Steve Turton. “They came in and they were screaming, they kicked in a bunch of glass (bottles) at the counter and basically told the cashier to give them the money.”

Steve, who co-owns the popular neighbourhood pub and beer store with his brother Jeff, says the two men threatened the teller and demanded money from the till at approximately 10:45 Tuesday night, 15 minutes before closing.

“It’s the shock of it,” Turton says. “When people come running in with their faces covered and carrying machetes, it’s a shock.”

The thieves left the store with cash and several bottles of alcohol, got into a waiting Audi convertible and fled. Turton says the whole episode lasted only a couple of minutes.

“By the time they walked out the door, (Steve) ran outside and saw the car leaving the parking lot and got their plate number,” he says.

According to Turton, RCMP were able to trace the plate to an address on Gulley Road.

“From what I heard, the police parked out front of the house and waited there,” he says. “A couple hours later they come pulling in and the cop puts his lights on. These guys see it, get back in the car and take off.”

The whole episode was caught on security camera, which has been handed over to police.

“I think they were just trying to do it for the rush or something. I don’t know but it was definitely planned."

According to Const. Kris Clark, two men from Kelowna, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested and have since been released. They are charged with armed robbery, disguise with intent, utter threats  and mischief.

Turton says although the money, alcohol and damage are covered by insurance, the emotional scars are not as easy to repair.

“(The cashier) and the girl that was in the store are pretty rattled,” he says. “It’s not often that you get someone running at you screaming with a knife but they’ll be okay.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Kelowna RCMP, Cst McBride at 250-762-3300. Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

- This story was updated at 11:25 a.m., Thursday, May 1, 2014 to include details of the suspects' arrest and charges.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014