Robbery Puts School On Lockdown

By Corey Fischer

Jan 31, 2019 | 12:29 PM

Photo: A collage of four images captured from video surveillance footage which show the suspect both entering the Scotiabank on Highway 33 W in Kelowna, and standing at a wicket.

The search for a robbery suspect in Kelowna led a school being put on lockdown.

A man who said he had a gun but didn’t show one, fled with cash from the Scotiabank on Highway 33 around 10 this morning.

“The suspect fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash,” says Cpl.Jesse O’Donaghey. “He was described to police as a Caucasian male, approx. 55 years of age, standing about 5 ft 7 in tall, wearing glasses, with a grey beard. He was last seen wearing a dark red jacket, a grey polo style shirt, a pair of jeans and a grey toque.”

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As police searched for the man, nearby South Rutland Elementary school was put on a hold and secure as a precaution, but no suspect was found.

“An area of containment was established by police, who launched a ground search for the suspect, with the support of both plain clothes officers and a police canine team,” says O’Donaghey. “The suspect remains outstanding at this time as police continue their investigation, supported by the Kelowna RCMP Forensic Identification Section.”

The corporal says the precautionary hold and secure at the school was later rescinded by police.

Surveillance photos of the man have been released by police as they continue to investigate.

by Corey Fischer