UPDATE: Kamloops RCMP arrest armed robbery suspect

Kamloops RCMP have arrested a suspect after an armed robbery involving a firearm was reported at a business near Aberdeen Mall.

The suspect, a man known to police, was arrested at Star Lodge on Columbia Street West. He is currently being held in custody for the robbery and previous warrants, according to an RCMP media release.

Officers also seized evidence at the scene, including a BB gun.

“Any use of a firearm in a criminal offence, including one that turns out to be an imitation firearm, is extremely concerning and presents a very high-risk to police and the general public,” Kamloops RCMP spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn said.

Police were called to the armed robbery at around 12:45 p.m. today, April 19, after a man entered a store, stole merchandise, then revealed a firearm.

Officers, including police dogs, searched the area after the suspect was last seen running through a parking lot on Notre Dame Drive and Laval Crescent, RCMP said.

A school was placed on 'hold and secure' while police searched and the school district was later notified when officers left the area.

The suspect was described as a 6'1" Caucasian male with a thin build and had a tattoo of a crown underneath his eye He was wearing a red ball cap, grey hoodie and jeans at the time.

RCMP said it was believed he got rid of his hat and changed into a white hoodie after the robbery.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to the incident can contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.

— This story was updated at 2:34 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2021 with new information from Kamloops RCMP.

— This story was updated at 3:59 p.m. Monday, April 19, 2021 with new information from Kamloops RCMP.

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