Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are on the hunt for a male suspect accused of committing an armed robbery Friday night.
Just before 10 p.m., police responded to a report of a robbery at Toro’s Cold Beer and Wine Store in the 1200 block of Kal Lake Road.
While responding to the scene, police were updated that the male suspect had a knife and was still in the store, while all staff had exited the store to safety. No customers were in the store at the time.
“Within minutes of the robbery, Vernon RCMP officers were on scene and entered the building in an attempt to locate the suspect. No one was found in the building and it appeared the male fled on foot prior to officer’s arrival,” said Const. Kelly Brett. “Efforts to locate the male suspect have been unsuccessful at this time.”
Police have learned that the man entered the store, brandished what appeared to be a knife to the lone employee and demanded cash. The suspect was unsuccessful in his attempts to flee with any cash or liquor products. The employee was not physically injured during the incident.
“Further investigation has revealed that the suspect male matches the description of numerous other armed robberies throughout the Okanagan area dating back to September 2017,” said Brett.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his early 40s, approximately 5-foot-9, 165 pounds with a fair complexion. He was seen wearing jeans, a black hooded sweat shirt and a black scarf in which he used to cover his face.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
