Two West Kootenay men are facing charges after allegedly threatening staff and stealing merchandise from a Castlegar business.
According to an RCMP statement, Castlegar police responded to the report around noon on Monday, Jan. 13. The individuals are facing multiple charges, including using an imitation firearm.
The suspects fled in a vehicle, but police were able to get a description. RCMP officers from Castlegar and neighbouring detachments conducted patrols and located a matching vehicle.
Officers attempted a traffic stop, but the driver kept going and turned onto a forest service road.
The officers located the vehicle a short distance away, and two men were taken into custody without incident.
A search of the vehicle and surrounding area resulted in the seizure of an imitation firearm and merchandise believed to have been stolen from the Castlegar store.
Fruitvale resident Dennis Mahon (35) and Trail resident Kyle Doherty (38) have both been charged with using an imitation firearm in commission of an offence, theft under $5,000, assault with a weapon, uttering threats, and possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose.
Mahon has also been charged with flight from police while operating a motor vehicle.
Both men appeared in court and were released on bail conditions to next appear in Castlegar Provincial Court on Feb. 12.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.