Theft Suspect Hides In Restaurant

By Corey Fischer

Jan 30, 2019 | 11:41 AM

Police say a Vernon theft suspect tried to evade officers by pretending to be a restaurant customer.

A suspect tried to take cash from a business in the 3334 block of 30th Avenue last Wednesday night.

“Officers were advised the suspect attempted to take cash from a till, however when confronted by staff, the suspect returned the cash to the employee,” says RCMP Cst. Kelly Brett.

The business owner tracked the suspect and provided updates to police.

“The suspect was located by the officers attempting to hide in a booth at the Earls restaurant,” says Brett. “A 33 old female from Vernon was arrested for theft and transported back to the RCMP detachment. Search of the female revealed a small pocket knife and drug paraphernalia on her person.”

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Mounties say the woman was held in custody to appear in court on January 24th on recommended charges relating to theft, obstruction, possession of a scheduled substance and possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to a probation order.

“The female was later released from custody with no charge,” says Brett.

No one was injured in the incident.

“The RCMP does not recommend putting yourself at risk when an incident like this should occur by attempting to follow or apprehend a suspect,” says Brett. “It’s not worth the risk when you don’t know who you are dealing with. This particular business owner was smart to keep a good distance away, but able to give a clear direction of travel and the last known location of the suspect to police.”

Photo: Area where theft occurred on 30th Avenue (Google)

by Corey Fischer