Vernon RCMP are investigating whether this suspect from a Jan. 9, 2018 robbery at the Canada Safeway Gas Bar, is the same man arrested Jan. 12 following an attempted robbery of a convenience store.
Image Credit: RCMP handout
January 15, 2018 - 3:15 PM
VERNON - A man suspected of committing multiple robberies at gas stations and corner stores this past month in Vernon appeared in court today for a bail hearing.
Heron Ecko Taylor, born in 1985, was detained in a citizen’s arrest on Jan. 12 after allegedly attempting to rob a local convenience store on 32 Avenue and Alexis Park Drive. The store owner interrupted the attempted robbery and managed to hold the 32-year-old suspect in a vehicle until police arrived.
According to court records, Heron is charged with attempted robbery, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and disguising face with intent to commit an offence, assault with a weapon, dangerous operation of motor vehicle and flight from a peace officer on Jan. 12.
Police said in a Jan. 12 media release he is believed to be the same suspect from a string of recent robberies.
“We are trying to determine that link through video analysis and victim statements,” RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett said Monday, Jan. 15.
Over the past two weeks there have been six known robberies in Vernon, including two on the night of Dec. 31 at the Petro Canada Gas Station in Lavington and the Super Save Gas Station on 25 Avenue in Vernon. On Jan. 9, there was a robbery at the Canada Safeway Gas Bar and on Jan. 11, the Husky Gas Station on 27 Street was held up. Also on Jan. 11, the Booster Juice on Highway 6 was allegedly robbed by a man with a knife. On Jan. 10, the Days Inn Motel was allegedly robbed by a man carrying a crow bar. During that incident, the clerk was struck on the leg with the crow bar.
Aside from a driving ticket a few years ago, Taylor does not appear to have a prior criminal record in B.C. Provincial Court.
Taylor is scheduled to be back in court on Jan. 18.
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