Suspect who fled empty-handed after Vernon corner store robbery now facing charges

VERNON – A man who police say fled empty-handed after running into a language barrier with the corner store clerk he was trying to rob has been arrested.

Sheldon Donald Lee Veness, in his early 20s, faces charges of robbery and using an imitation firearm in connection with the Aug. 2 incident at Lakeview Market in Vernon.

Police said the frightened clerk spoke little English and walked away from the suspect after he entered the store and showed her a firearm.

The man was said to have fled the store without obtaining anything.

“A language barrier may have contributed to the man not getting what he wanted,” RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said.

Veness next appears in Vernon Provincial Court Aug. 31 for a bail hearing.

The charges against him have not been proven in court.

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