Gas stations robbed in Vernon, Lavington
Police are investigating robberies at two gas stations in the North Okanagan this week.
Vernon RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Petro-Canada station at 6320 Highway 8, in Lavington, shortly after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
A lone male entered the store and demanded cash from the employee, while producing what appeared to be a wrench or other tool, said Const. Kelly Brett.
The employee complied and the male fled in a dark-coloured vehicle with a small amount of cash. The employee was unharmed. Mounties attended the scene but did not locate the suspect or the vehicle.
On Jan. 1, just before 9 p.m., Vernon RCMP responded to another robbery at the Super Save gas station at 4218 25 Ave.
A lone male had entered the store, produced what the employee believed to be the handle of a gun and demanded all the money from the till.
The employee complied with the man’s demand and the suspect fled the area in a dark-coloured SUV.
“Both incidents are still under investigation at this time,” said Brett.
Police are treating the incidents as separate occurrences and have yet to determine if the suspect is the same person.
The suspect in the Petro-Canada robbery is described as a Caucasian male between the ages of 35 and 45, about six feet tall, wearing a black jacket with a hood and baggy blue jeans, with a small patch of hair on his chin.
The suspect in the Super Save robbery is described as a Caucasian male between the ages of 35 and 45, wearing a black neoprene hooded jacket and a half ski mask.
Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.