Kelowna RCMP searching for purse snatcher

KELOWNA — Police are looking for the suspect in a purse snatching incident in Kelowna on Sunday evening.

Shortly after 7 p.m., Kelowna RCMP responded to a report of a robbery which had just occurred in the 2200 block of Baron Road.

Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey says the victim stepped off a transit bus in the Baron Road and Durnin Road area.

The victim told police that she was approached from behind by the male suspect who struck her in the back of the head and grabbed a hold of her purse.

“The victim, an 18-year-old Kelowna woman, sustained minor injuries during the incident. She pleaded with the suspect, saying “Please,” and the suspect threatened to harm her again,” says Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The victim, an 18-year-old Kelowna woman, sustained minor injuries during the incident. She pleaded with the suspect, saying "Please," and the suspect threatened to harm her again," says Cst. Jesse O'Donaghey.

“The victim let go of her purse and the suspect fled on foot towards Orchard Park Mall.”

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male wearing a dark hooded sweater.

O’Donaghey says police want to remind the public to “Be Street Smart” and offer the following tips:

• Keep your head up, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings;
• Take note of people, businesses and other sources of assistance in the area;
• Avoid a person or situation which does not feel safe;
• Plan your route and avoid isolated areas;
• If a criminal is after your purse or other personal belongings, throw them one way while you run the other way;
• If you are robbed or assaulted, try your best to take note of what the suspect looks like, what they were wearing, their direction of travel and call police as soon as it’s safe to do so;

For more tips, you can visit the BC RCMP Website.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.