Woman mugged in downtown Vernon, teenager and 21-year-old arrested

Two males, aged 17 and 21, were arrested yesterday, June 4, after a 35-year-old woman was mugged and had her purse stolen in downtown Vernon.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release the woman was allegedly assaulted and had her purse taken while in the area of 33 Street and 31 Avenue in Vernon. Passersby stopped to help the woman and then gave detailed descriptions to the police.

"A quick multi-unit response was made to the area by officers, at which time they were able to set and secure a perimeter," Vernon RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said in a media release. "With the descriptions provided by witnesses, police were able to locate two young males who were attempting to flee the area, however, they didn’t get far before officers had taken them into custody."

The victim sustained minor injuries and was treated by paramedics. Police managed to recover the purse and its contents.

The 17-year-old and 21-year-old male suspects, both Vernon residents, were released with conditions and are awaiting a future court date.

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