Kelowna security guard assaulted by shoplifter

KELOWNA – A security guard was injured trying to stop a shoplifter in Kelowna yesterday.

RCMP were called to a store in the 1900 block of Harvey Avenue at around 4 p.m. Jan. 10. Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a media release police learned that a security guard saw a man leave the store with unpaid merchandise, including vitamins and batteries.

“When the loss prevention officer approached the man and informed him that he was under arrest for the alleged theft, the suspect turned assaultive,” O’Donaghey says. “The suspect, who was captured on the store's video surveillance system, was last seen running southbound across the highway from the scene.”

The loss prevention officer sustained minor injuries during the altercation.

The suspect is a slender Caucasian man last seen wearing black pants, a black jacket, a grey hoodie, and a black bike helmet with a headlamp across his forehead. He wore yellow shoes and a red, white and black backpack.

If you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police, or you recognize the suspect, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and cite police file number 2018-1677. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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