The RCMP believes a string of five armed robberies from Osoyoos to Oliver, Peachland, West Kelowna, and Lake Country since Oct. 18 have all been committed by the same suspect.
The crime spree started in Osoyoos on Oct. 18 just after 9:10 p.m. when Osoyoos RCMP responded to a report of a robbery with a firearm at a business in the 9000 block of Main Street. A male entered the business, allegedly threatened the employee that he had a firearm, and demanded money. The male fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and store merchandise.
The latest incident occurred only yesterday (Nov. 4) just after 6:45 a.m. when West Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a robbery at a business in the 5000 block of Clement Crescent in Peachland.
Kelowna RCMP have confirmed to the Times-Chronicle’s sister publication, The Peachland View that the robbery took place at the Petro-Can in Peachland.
Again a male suspect entered the business, allegedly threatened the employee that he had a firearm, and demanded money before fleeing on foot with cash and store merchandise. West Kelowna RCMP and Police Dog Services searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The other incidents followed this identical pattern and occurred on Oct. 24 before 6:05 p.m. in the 2500 block of Dobbin Road in West Kelowna with the suspect this time, departing in a small black vehicle; again on Oct. 25 just before 5:15 a.m. in the 6000 block of Main Street in Oliver; and on Oct. 25 after 10:15 p.m. in 11000 block of Highway 97 in Lake Country.
The RCMP says that based on the investigation and the information collected, they believe that the same suspect is possibly involved in the alleged robberies.
“The threats of violence are very concerning in these incidents and luckily there were no injuries to anyone involved,” says Cst. Solana Paré, media relations officer for the Kelowna Regional RCMP.
“Following a fulsome review of the evidence collected, investigators believe that the same individual may be involved in the alleged robberies We are appealing to the public for assistance to identify the suspect or suspects involved, to assist us in advancing the investigation.”
Description of the male suspect:
- Caucasian male;
- 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall;
- 30 – 40 years old;
- Dark hair with a receding hairline; and
- Tattoo on his right hand and a tattoo sleeve on his left arm containing red ink.
Anyone with information about the robberies or the identity of the suspect(s) is encouraged to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880 or your local RCMP detachement. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or report a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net.
