Suspect from 'brazen' 2018 armed robbery in downtown Kelowna arrested and charged

A Kelowna man has been taken into police custody and was formally charged by the Crown in relation to a armed robbery carried out along Lawrence Avenue in Kelowna’s downtown core in June 2018.

The "brazen" daytime robbery was committed at The Garden of Eden. Two masked men entered the business armed with firearms. An undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from the premises and the suspects fled the scene.

As a result of the continued investigation into the incident, the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has obtained charge approval from the BC Prosecution Service against one of the suspects who played a role in the armed robbery.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Courts and earlier today, 33-year-old Brandon David Tchir was taken into police custody along Hein Road in Kelowna.

Tchir has now been formally charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, disguising face with intent to commit an indictable offence and use an imitation firearm while committing an indictable offence.

“Our investigation is not over yet,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Kelowna RCMP GIS Robbery investigators are continuing their efforts to identify the second masked suspect, and a potential third accomplice who actively participated in the robbery, and bring them each to justice.

The second male suspect, as seen below, was described to police as standing over 6 feet tall, seen wearing a black mask, a black hat, black jackets, a grey t-shirt and a pair of grey pants.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact Cst. Steve McBride of the Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section at 250-762-3300. Or remain completely anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.