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(UPDATE: Aug. 9 @ 8:30 a.m.) - It took less than 24 hours for a robbery suspect to turn himself in following a terrific public response on social media and beyond.
A 37-year-old Vernon man turned himself in to North Okanagan RCMP around 4 p.m. on Wednesday for allegedly robbing the Sparkes Corn Barn on Kalamalka Road near 11th Avenue.
"This is a great example of the important partnership between the community and police," said Cst. Kelly Brett. "Without the number of times this incident and vehicle photo was shared over social media, there is a good possibility this suspect would never have surfaced."
Brett added that "the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP would like to thank the media, public and the youth employee for their efforts during this investigation. "
The man remains in custody at this time and is facing possible robbery charges.
(Original story: Aug. 8 @ 8:45 a.m.) - RCMP in the North Okanagan are investigating a Tuesday afternoon robbery at a popular corn stand.
Police were called to Sparkes Corn Barn on Kalamalka Road near 11th avenue in Vernon at 4 p.m.
They learned that a man allegedly approached the youth employee working at the stand, brandished a knife and demanded money.
That employee complied with the demands, handing over an undisclosed amount of cash, and the suspect then fled the area in an older style small blue ford pickup truck.
“The employee was understandably very shaken up after the incident, however still had the wherewithal to snap a photo of the suspect vehicle as it fled,” said Cst. Kelly Brett.
“There were no injuries sustained during the robbery and the RCMP want to commend the youth employee for complying to avoid any personal injury.”
Police are now searching for the man, who is described as around 6’0” tall with a scruffy blonde and red beard, wearing glasses, a hat and a black t-shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call the North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171 or you can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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