Video still from an alleged robbery at a First Avenue convenience story in Chilliwack on April 29, 2021. (RCMP)

Chilliwack RCMP seek robbery suspect caught on security video

Prolific offender William Christofer Cowdery is charged as Mounties seek second suspect

Chilliwack Mounties are looking to identify a robbery suspect from an early morning incident at a convenience store on First Avenue last week.

RCMP arrested one man but were unable to locate the second person whose image was captured by security camera.

Shortly after 2 a.m., on April 27, the Chilliwack RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at a convenience store in the 45000-block of First Avenue.

Investigators determined a man allegedly armed with a knife entered the store, demanded money from the till, and then ran away after receiving a small amount of cash. Patrolling officers did not locate the person.

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Then on April 29, police responded to a report of an armed robbery at the same store just after mid-night. In that incident, two men allegedly armed with a knife ran off with a small amount of cash.

Officers reinforced by the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS) quickly cordoned off the area where police located and arrested a 29-year-old-man from Chilliwack but did not locate the second suspect.

William Christofer Cowdery is charged robbery and disguising face with intent to commit offence. Cowdery had a court appearance on Monday (May 3) and remains in custody with a scheduled bail hearing set for May 11.

Cowdery has an extensive criminal history, according to Court Service Online, dating back a decade mostly from Vernon and Kelowna. This is his first charge in Chilliwack.

Police describe the second suspect as a Caucasian male wearing a black jacket and black and white shoes.

“As RCMP continue our investigation we are reaching out to the public for assistance to identify the second suspect associated to the robbery reported to police on April 29,” RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mike Rail said in a press release.

Chilliwack RCMP ask anyone with information to identify the individual to contact police at 604-792-4611 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).


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