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Penticton and OK Falls liquor stores robbed at gunpoint

A man brandishing a handgun and wearing a ski mask robbed Gables and OK Falls Market stores
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Falls Market Liquor Store released pictures of the suspect who robbed a cashier at gunpoint on Nov. 23. While the man was wearing a mask, the owner of the store is hoping someone may recognize him. (Market Liquor Facebook)

“Today, the worst happened. One of our cashiers was confronted with someone with a gun. Money from the till, as well as some bottles were stolen,” said OK Falls Market Liquor Store on their Facebook page after the store was robbed Nov. 23.

Liquor stores in both Penticton and Okanagan Falls were recently held at gunpoint and RCMP are looking into the possibility the crimes were committed by the same man wearing a black ski mask.

On Nov. 21, at 9:30 p.m., a man entered the Gables Liquor Store on Martin Street and brandished a black semi-automatic handgun while demanding money. The suspect fled the area with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The man is described as 5’ 10” tall, 160lbs with a slim build, wearing a black coat with the hood up, black ski mask, black gloves and black jeans.

On Nov. 23, at 7:34 p.m., a man entered the OK Falls Market Liquor Store with a black handgun and demanded money. The man fled the area with an undisclosed amount of cash and two bottles of Caroline’s Cream liquor.

The suspect was wearing dark overalls, dark hoodie, dark baseball cap, black ski mask and unique shoes.

“At this time we cannot confirm the robberies are related however that is something we are certainly looking into,” said Sgt Jason Bayda, spokesperson for the Penticton South Okanagan RCMP. “Being a victim employee of a robbery can be very traumatic. No employee should have to face those risks at work.

“We are asking business owners to consider increasing the number of deposits they conduct during the day, limiting the amount of cash they keep on premises or if possible removing the option to pay by cash. This can help make your business a less desirable target. We also recommend you avoid making your deposits alone.”

READ MORE: Tickleberry’s in Penticton latest smash and grab victim

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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