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Police investigate robberies

RCMP respond to three reported robberies on Halloween night

Among the tricks on Halloween night, Penticton RCMP found themselves responding to a rash of robberies.

A 911 call came in from Okanagan Falls at 9 p.m. on Monday, when a 49-year-old man saw two men and one woman allegedly enter his home, where they assaulted male resident and stole $2,500 in cash. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries, and has since been released.

Sgt. Rick Dellebuur said all three suspects were well-known to police, and two were apprehended shortly after. The 42-year-old woman was arrested and released to attend court on a later date, while her 47-year-old male accomplice is being held in custody pending his next appearance. An arrest warrant has been issued for the third suspect.

Police are recommending charges of robbery and assault causing bodily harm against all three suspects.

The second robbery happened just shy of two hours later at Last Chance Liquor Mart on Green Avenue. Police were called after three men walked into the store with one allegedly producing pepper spray as he grabbed two one-litre bottles of Grey Goose Vodka and told the employee he had a gun and would kill them if they tried to stop him.

The suspect was described as being Aboriginal, wearing a brown bomber-type of jacket. The second man was described as Caucasian and wearing a green hoodie with the word “RAPE” emblazoned on the front. The third was described as an Aboriginal wearing a red hoodie.

All three men fled on foot and were last seen heading west on Green Avenue.

At 1:30 a.m., another encounter prompted police response. A 21-year-old man and 20-year-old woman were walking home on a path near McPherson Street and Penticton Avenue when they came across two men wearing black hoodies, which were pulled to cover their heads.

The suspects, allegedly brandished knives, demanded the couple produce all their valuables. The pair only had a BlackBerry cellphone, which was handed over. The two suspects fled and the couple went home to contact police.

The victims could provide a limited description of the suspects, and subsequent patrols of the area that night yielded no leads.

All told, RCMP received approximately 40 calls for service Halloween night including several mischief reports, assaults and other activities.

Anyone with information about the three incidents is asked to call Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).