Liquor store robber leaves empty-handed
Police are searching for an armed suspect following an attempted robbery of a Vernon liquor store Friday night.
Vernon RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at Toro’s liquor store at 1220 Kalamalka Lake Rd., at 9:51 p.m.
While en route, police were told the male suspect had a knife and was still in the store, while the staff had exited to safety. No customers were in the store.
Upon arrival, officers entered the store and no one was inside, said Const. Kelly Brett.
“It appeared the male fled on foot prior to officers’ arrival,” she said. “Efforts to locate the male suspect have been unsuccessful at this time.”
Police learned the male suspect entered the store, brandished was appeared to be a knife to the lone employee and demanded cash.
The suspect was unsuccessful in his attempts to flee with cash or liquor.
The employee was not physically injured.
Investigation has revealed the suspect matches the description of numerous other armed robberies throughout the Okanagan dating back to September, said Brett.
The suspect is described as a five-foot-nine Caucasian man in his early 40s, weighing about 165 pounds with a fair complexion.
He was seen wearing jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt and a black scarf, which he used to cover his face.
Anyone with information is asked to contact RCMP at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.