Suspect sought after brazen attempted robbery of Vernon senior

RCMP have requested the public's help in identifying a suspect who attempted to rob a 60-year-old woman in downtown Vernon last month.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, the man grabbed the woman's arm and demanded money as she was walking back to her car parked near 35 Avenue and 34 Street at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28. The woman had walked to a nearby building and discovering the door was locked started to leave the area when the man appeared.

RCMP say the woman was assaulted during the incident but was not injured. The man was unsuccessful in his robbery attempt and fled with another man northbound on foot.

"The woman was very fortunate to escape injury and was determined to continue on with her evening. It was only upon reflection did she realize the seriousness of the incident and reported it to police the following day," Vernon RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn said in the release.

"As the investigation is on-going, the woman continues to receive support from the RCMP Victim Services Section, however, the search for the suspect continues."

The suspect is described as Caucasian man, 20 to 30 years old, 5’6 to 5’8 tall with a thin acne-scarred face, a thin pointy nose, bad teeth and a low voice. He was wearing a dark coloured toque with his hair sticking down past his ears, a dark coloured puffy jacket and a backpack. There is no description of the other man.

Anyone with any information should call Const. Kineshanko at the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP on 250-545-7171. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.

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