The Vernon RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance again in identifying an individual who they believe is responsible for two attempted robberies Friday evening.
The first one came in at about 9 p.m. at Corner Grocery in the 5400 block of Okanagan Landing Road.
In this robbery the suspect had his face covered with a “skull face” balaclava.
“The suspect jumped the counter and grabbed the male clerk while brandishing a knife,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. The suspect did not get any money as he was scared off when a second employee came to assist. The suspect was seen leaving the scene in a SUV type of vehicle.
Then at about 11:15 p.m., police were dispatched to a second robbery attempt in the 2700 block of 39th Avenue.
A delivery driver was called to make a delivery at that location. When he arrived and got out of the vehicle to make the delivery he was approached by a masked man who produced a knife and demanded the liquor.
“A struggle over the liquor took place,” said Molendyk. “Luckily he had a passenger with him who got out of the vehicle to assist.”
The masked suspect threatened them with the knife, and then ran away without anything again.
A police service dog and handler was called, however the track turned out negative.
The suspect was described in this case as wearing a black zip-up hoodie, black mask with a white print, like a skull face, black pants,five-foot-nine and a thin build.
Molendyk said the two robberies appear to have been committed by the same suspect, and police are looking at links to a robbery Thursday at the Best Western Cold Beer and Wine Store on 32nd Street.
“What is very concerning is the level of violence appears to escalating,” said Molendyk. ““We really need the assistance of the public to help us in identifying who is committing these robberies before someone gets hurt. We hope someone knows who this person is from the clothing”
In both cases Friday night, neither person received injuries. In both cases there were two people, this likely helped in the suspect running away and nobody being hurt.
Anybody with any information is asked to call the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tips can also be left at the local Crime Stoppers’ website, www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
