Shopkeeper injured in jewelry store robbery

VERNON – A Vernon shopkeeper sports a gash on his head where a robber struck him with a hammer.

The owner of Hagemann Jewellers is back at work Monday after a nerve-wracking altercation with a robber Saturday.

He didn’t wish to comment on the incident while the police investigation is still active, but said he’s doing fine, if a little shaken.

He phoned 911 and RCMP pulled up at his 30 Ave. shop shortly after 11 a.m.

The male suspect reportedly entered the store with a hammer and began smashing open a display case.

“The owner confronted the male with a baton and swung it at the suspect,” RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says.

The suspect then whacked the shopkeeper on the head with his hammer and fled the store on foot, heading east on 30 Ave. He made off with a few pieces of jewelry.

The owner was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital for stitches while the police dog unit attempted, without success, to track the suspect.

No customers were in the store when the robbery occurred.

The suspect is described as an approximately 6' tall man with light brown hair. He was wearing a white Halloween mask, a dark sweater, a scarf, dark pants and a fedora style hat.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen the suspect run from the store or knows anything about the robbery to call the RCMP at 250-545-7171 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.