An Oliver man was arrested on Thursday following a very disturbing armed robbery in Kamloops.
According to RCMP, just after 7 pm, an officer was conducting a routine traffic stop in a gas station parking lot when he was alerted to a robbery in the 3200 block of Westsyde Road.
The suspect allegedly entered the gas station while holding the hand of his small child, approached the counter and demanded money. During the robbery, the man reportedly pulled up his shirt and revealed what appeared to be the butt of a firearm.
Following the robbery, the officer saw the man and child leave the store. He located the pair nearby, though the arrest got tricky.
“While it is deeply disturbing that someone would commit a robbery with a child, it is even more concerning that he is alleged to have threatened the officer and used his child as a shield, by putting his child between himself and the officer,” said S/Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
After a brief struggle, the man was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a replica rifle.
Thankfully, the child was uninjured and made it to a nearby family member.
The 32-year-old is expected in court sometime today. Though the incident is still under investigation, suspected charges include robbery, uttering threats, breach of a firearms prohibition and resisting arrest.
More to come.
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