Black Press file photo

Black Press file photo

Alleged knife-wielding robbery suspect not allowed back in Oliver

RCMP arrested a man they believe is a suspect in two robberies in the South Okanagan

An alleged knife-wielding robber, who is facing multiple criminal charges, received bail until his matters return to court with the stipulation he does not step foot in Oliver.

RCMP arrested Joshua Penner, who they describe as a new resident to the community, on July 12 as the suspect of two robberies.

Sgt. Blaine Gervais said on July 4, around 10:20 p.m., a man entered the Chevron Gas Station on Main Street in Oliver holding a large knife and demanding money from the cashier. He was provided less than $100 and several packs of cigarettes before leaving the store.

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The suspect was described as wearing dark clothing with a mask over his face.

Just over a week later, on July 12, at approximately 6:45 a.m., a man wielding a large knife entered the Oliver Family Grocery on Main Street and demanded money from the cashier. The suspect was wearing dark clothing and had a mask over his face, however during the incident the cashier was able to pull at the mask and see his face.

The robber was given a small amount of cash before he left the store.

An Oliver RCMP member who had knowledge of the earlier robbery at the gas station, along with its evidence, used the description of the male from the robbery at the Oliver Family Grocery to identify Penner as the suspect.

Penner is facing multiple criminal code offences and was released from court with conditions, including not to reside in Oliver.

Penner has not been convicted of the charges and RCMP said both incidents are still under investigation.

On July 4th, 2019 at approximately 10:20 P.M. a lone male entered the Chevron Gas Station on Main Street in Oliver wielding a large knife and demanded money from the cashier. The male was provided less than $100.00 and several packs of cigarettes before leaving the store. The male was wearing dark clothing and a mask over his face. This incident is still under investigation.

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