Suspect at the Husky Gas Station Jan. 11, 2018.
Image Credit: RCMP handout
January 12, 2018 - 2:50 PM
VERNON - Police in Vernon are investigating a string of robberies from the past few days.
On Jan. 11 around 12:30 p.m., police responded to a robbery at the Husky Gas Station, located at 4500 27 St. in Vernon, RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett says in a release.
Investigators learned that a lone man entered the store, placed money on the counter and asked to buy a lottery ticket, Brett says. The man then allegedly produced a metal object, raising it as if he was going to strike the clerk and demanded money from the till. The suspect fled the store in a vehicle with an undisclosed amount of cash.
“General Duty officers responded to the scene of the robbery, where they were supported by the RCMP Air Services Unit,” Brett says. “Officers were unable to locate their suspect, however located the suspect vehicle a short distance away which was turned over to the Forensic Identification Section for analysis.”
Then at 8:30 p.m., Vernon RCMP responded to a robbery at Booster Juice, located at Unit 107 Highway 6. A lone man entered the store and allegedly produced a knife and demanded money from the employee, Brett says. The suspect grabbed the open till and the employee’s wallet as he fled out the back door.
“RCMP officers were on scene within minutes, however the suspect was not located,” Brett says. “Members are working diligently to identify a suspect in all the recent robbery cases but are appealing to the public that if anyone has any information to come forward to the police or by calling Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.”
The RCMP has not ruled out that the recent series of robberies are connected, however the investigation remains ongoing as information continues to be gathered, Brett says.
Vernon RCMP are also investigating three other robberies that occurred this month.
“It can be concerning that a recent rash of robberies are taking place in the Vernon area, and we are encouraging residents and employees to be vigilant and take note of their surroundings,” Brett says. “If there is a person or vehicle in the area that looks suspicious, take note by writing it down and calling police to make a report.”
If you were in the area of any of the incidents and saw anything suspicious, or have any information regarding these robberies, contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
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