A 22-year-old Castlegar man is in custody after he was taken down at gunpoint for allegedly robbing a local pharmacy.
Charges of robbery, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and wearing a disguise with intent while committing an offence are being recommended, following the robbery at the Paragon Pharmacy just after noon last Friday.
The suspect attended the pharmacy brandishing a hammer and demanding medication from staff. A struggle ensued and sent the suspect fleeing the scene on foot. Luckily none of the employees were hurt.
Investigators managed to gather enough evidence to identify the suspect, who was arrested two hours later downtown, according to Castlegar RCMP.
“The suspect was carrying a hammer at the time of arrest and was taken down at gunpoint by attending members,” explained Cpl. Darryl Orr in a news release. “Evidence was gathered at the arrest scene suggesting the suspect was on his way to commit another robbery in the downtown area.”
Investigators are pushing to have the man appear in court early this week.