(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

VERNON –  Vernon RCMP are investigating an armed robbery at a local mattress store where an employee was bound at hands and feet.

On Jan. 22 just after 8 p.m. Vernon RCMP responded to a report of a robbery at a Sleep Country Canada located in the 2400 block of 58 Avenue. 

A lone employee was on site when the suspect entered the store. The suspect produced a knife and demanded the employee get behind the counter and on the ground. The suspect then bound the employee’s hands and feet together with clear packing tape, according to a RCMP press release.

"Fortunately there were no customers in the store at the time of the robbery and the victim sustained no injuries from being bound," says Const. Kelly Brett in the press release. "The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and once the suspect fled, the employee broke free from the restraints and was able to call police."

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male with short dark hair. He is in his late 30s to early 40s and is approximately 5’10" with a slim build. He was wearing a white jacket with orange stripes that said ‘Ski Doo’ and ‘Free Style’ on the right arm. He also had on a black toque, black sneakers and was carrying a black back pack with red writing on it.

"Investigators are asking businesses in the area to review any surveillance footage which may have captured the suspect as he arrived and departed after committing the robbery," says Brett. "Being that the store is well lit and that it was dark outside, the chances of the general public seeing something through the large store front windows is very possible."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kelly Mckay or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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