Police need help identifying young man who robbed a Penticton jewelry store

A man who allegedly robbed a Penticton jewelry store with bear spray first pretended to be shopping.

The Penticton RCMP were called to a business in the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre at 3:15 p.m. yesterday, Aug. 22 for the robbery, according to the police report.

It was around 2:30 p.m. when the lone suspect entered the store. He was shown several items and then grabbed one before fleeing and discharging his bear spray.

Employees sustained minor injuries.

The suspect is described at a slim, dark-skinned man in his early 20s. He’s approximately 5’11 with brown eyes and dark hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, dark blue jeans and a blue face mask.

“We’re actively searching for the suspect, and are asking for help from the public in identifying him,” Const. James Grandy said in the release.

“We would also like to encourage anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us. Please don’t approach the suspect, and call 911 immediately,” says.

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