One robber got some money in a purse, one left empty-handed.
Vernon RCMP are investigating two robberies Thursday.
At about 5:15 p.m., police responded to a robbery in at the Best Western Plus Vernon Lodge Cold Beer and Wine Store.
“A male entered the business, produced a knife and demanded money from the clerk,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk.
The clerk was able to leave the store through a rear door, unharmed.
The suspect went out the front door, and witnesses report he got into a newer-model white Ford pickup truck. The vehicle was seen driving southbound on 33rd Street.
The suspect, who did not get any money in the attempt, was described as being about five-foot-eight, stocky build and was wearing a black-and-white, balaclava-style ski mask with ski goggles on the top of his head, and a black hoodie.
Three hours later, at about 8:20 p.m., an unknown man entered the Lake City Casion on Anderson Way, and grabbed an elderly woman’s purse that was around her shoulder.
“The 64-year-old victim was dragged a short distance along the floor before she let go of her purse,” said Molendyk.
The woman received minor injuries during the robbery. Her purse contained an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect ran out an emergency door and got into a blue Chevrolet Tahoe.
The suspect vehicle was located sometime later abandoned, and has been seized for investigation.
With the help of video from the casino, police have a suspect in this case.
Anybody with any information on either robbery is asked to call the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Tips can also be left on the local Crime Stoppers’ website, www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
