Lottery Ticket Theft Suspect Charged

RCMP say the actions of some nearby witnesses helped make an arrest of a Vernon theft suspect.

A man entered the Co-op gas station on 27th Street last Thursday afternoon and allegedly stole $500 in lottery tickets.

Constable Kelly Brett says witnesses at a nearby business saw the man fleeing on foot and then departing in a blue Ford Focus.

“The investigating officer viewed video surveillance at the Co-Op gas station and was able to identify the suspect male from previous lottery thefts that occurred throughout the Vernon area. The same suspect male was previously arrested and charged on six counts of theft for theft of lottery tickets from July of 2017,” says Brett.

The next day, the RCMP’s Task Force stopped a blue Ford Focus and arrested a 37 year old Vernon man.

“The male driver was identified at the lottery theft suspect, and was arrested,” adds Brett.

Dean Amendt is charged with theft under $5,000 and failing to comply with a recognizance order.

He will return to court Dec 14.

“RCMP continue to encourage the public to report suspicious persons or activities in their neighbourhood to police,” says Brett. “It was the observant nature of the surrounding businesses that lead to the details involving the direction of travel and mode of transportation by the suspect. Thus resulting in the vehicle being located and arrests being made.”