Kelowna RCMP have released store surveillance images of an aggressive shoplifting suspect after they were called to a weapons complaint Tuesday afternoon in Kelowna.
On November 21, 2017 at 3:37 pm, multiple officers of the Kelowna RCMP responded to a high priority weapons complaint in the area of the 1800 block of Cooper Road. A loss prevention officer, of a local business, had confronted an alleged shoplifter when that suspect produced a knife and allegedly lunged towards the victim.
"The armed suspect was last seen on foot running towards the rear of the Orchard Plaza, through the pedestrian breezeway next to the movie theatre," says Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey. "RCMP set up an area of containment and called out a police canine to conduct a search for the suspect. Unfortunately, due to the heavy pedestrian foot traffic in the area, the search was later called off as a result of concerns for public safety."
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6ft 6in tall, of thin build, with blonde hair. He was seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, blue backpack and a grey flat cap.
The loss prevention officer was not harmed during the attempted arrest.
If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police or you recognize the suspect from the images, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.