Shoplifter accused of brandishing knife at loss prevention officer in Kelowna

Kelowna RCMP is releasing surveillance images in the hopes a member of the public will recognize a man accused of pulling a knife on a loss prevention officer at a store in Kelowna.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says in a statement that the employee of a local area business confronted an alleged shoplifter when the suspect produced a knife and lunged towards the victim.

It occurred on Tuesday, November 21 at 3:37 p.m. in the 1800 block of Cooper Road.

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“The armed suspect was last seen on foot running towards the rear of the Orchard Plaza, thru the pedestrian breezeway next to the movie theatre,” says Cpl. O’Donaghey.

“RCMP set up an area of containment and called out a police canine to conduct a search for the suspect. Unfortunately, due to the heavy pedestrian foot traffic in the area, the search was later called off as a result of concerns for public safety.”

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall, of thin build, with blonde hair.

He was seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, blue backpack and a grey flat cap.

Police say the loss prevention officer was not harmed during the attempted arrest.

Kelowna RCMP ask that if you witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police or you recognize the suspect from the images, you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leave a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or text your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.