Bank robber called a taxi

One man is facing charges following an armed robbery in Lake Country Friday afternoon.

RCMP responded to the CIBC bank on Highway 97 and Berry Road just after 1 p.m. The bank is located right next door to the police detachment.

Sergeant Tim Shields says a masked man entered the bank and began grabbing money from the teller’s cash drawers.

“A brief scuffle took place between an intervening customer and the suspect who stated that he had a gun before running out of the bank. No one was hurt during the robbery,” says Shields.

He says after extensive patrols, two males were found inside a bakery located about one block away.

“The two males seemed nervous and didn't belong in the area. When their stories didn't match up, they were arrested and searched. A large quantity of cash was found in the pockets of one of the males. Subsequent investigation revealed the location of the mask and clothing worn during the robbery.”

Shields says that the suspect committed the robbery and returned to a truck parked at the rear of the bank to make good his getaway.

“While he was inside the bank, the second male had been listening to music inside the vehicle, inadvertently drained the truck's battery and it wouldn't start. It was it this point that both males walked into the bakery to call a taxi.”

He says a 53-year-old Vernon man remains in police custody.

“Charges of armed robbery and wearing a disguise during the commission of an offence will be recommended by police. He is well known to police. A 20-year-old Vernon man has been released without charges.”

The exact amount of cash stolen will not be released to the public.