RCMP investigating string of armed robberies from Lake Country to Osoyoos

An investigation has been launched into a string of armed robberies that have occurred in the last month and have spanned across communities from Osoyoos to Lake Country.

The first incident was recorded in Osoyoos at 9:10 p.m. on October 18, when a male allegedly entered a business, threatened an employee and saying he had a firearm, and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and store merchandise before Mounties could arrive on the scene.

On October 24, just before 6:05 p.m., West Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a robbery, where again a male suspect entered a business, allegedly told the employee he had a firearm, and demanded money. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise and fled the scene in a small black vehicle before officers could arrive.

At 5:15 a.m. the following day, Oliver RCMP responded to a report of a robbery, where again a male suspect allegedly threatened the employee, said he had a firearm, and demanded money. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Also on October 25, just after 10:15 p.m., a man entered a Lake Country business, threatened the employee and demanded money. He fled the scene of foot before police could arrive on the scene.

Then on November 4, just after 6:45 a.m., a man entered a West Kelowna business, allegedly threatened the employee and said he had a firearm, and demanded money. He fled on foot, and though West Kelowna RCMP and Police Dog Services searched the area, the suspect was not located.

The RCMP believe that, based on the investigation and information collected, that one individual is responsible for this string of armed robberies.

The suspect is described as a 30 to 40 year-old Caucasian male, standing between 5’8″ and 5’10” tall. He has dark hair with a receding hairline, a tattoo on his right hand, and a tattoo sleeve on his left arm containing red ink.

Compilation of the armed robbery suspect from CCTV (photos courtesy of the RCMP)

“The threats of violence are very concerning in these incidents and luckily there were no injuries to anyone involved,” states 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.”

Anyone with information relating to the robberies or the identity of the suspect(s) is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the Crime Stoppers website.