Vernon and North Okanagan

Residents barricaded themselves in their bedroom after a hooded armed thief broke into their home in the early hours of Friday morning.

At about 12:40 a.m. Vernon RCMP responded to a call by residents, who reported the man was trying to rob them at knife point. The home is located in the 3300 block of 30th Ave. 

"Our officers arrived on scene the door to the apartment was open and when they entered they could hear movement coming from the livingroom area," reported media spokesperson Gord Molendyk.

"Our officer observed a man with a ski mask over his face and a large kitchen knife in his hand. The male was directed to drop the knife and get on the floor. The suspect complied was taken into custody without incident."

The police investigation determined the suspect had several possessions from the home in a backpack.

The suspect has been identified as a 16-year-old Vernon resident.

He is expected to face charges of Robbery, Disguise with intent, and Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose. He has been held for court and is expected to appear later today.

The victims were shaken, but not harmed in the robbery.