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UPDATE: Torched pickup used in armed robbery

“Both men are considered to be armed and dangerous,” say RCMP. “If spotted, do not approach either suspect and call your local police immediately
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UPDATE: 9 p.m.

RCMP are on the hunt for two suspects involved in a brazen armed robbery and arson Tuesday afternoon in West Kelowna.

On March 28 at 3:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a report that an armed robbery had just been committed at the Antler Creek Outfitters sporting goods store located on Ross Road in West Kelowna.

Police learned that two suspects, at least one believed to be armed with a firearm, entered the store and stole several other firearms.

The suspects fled in a red Ford F350 pickup truck that they had parked in front of the business and then used as a getaway vehicle. It was last seen headed northbound on Ross Road.

Shortly before 4 p.m., officers were alerted to reports being received of a truck on fire in the area of Gellatly Road and Majoros Road.

An RCMP helicopter and K9 unit were both deployed in the area.

“The RCMP helicopter and a Police Service Dog responded to the area to assist in the search for suspects and possible evidence,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“The West Kelowna RCMP General Investigative Section, supported by the RCMP Integrated Forensic Identification Section, has assumed carriage of the investigation into both the alleged robbery and suspected arson.

“The ongoing investigation has revealed that the pickup truck, recovered torched, had been stolen earlier in the day from a parking lot in the 2300 block of Highway 97.”

RCMP have now released descriptions of both men.

Suspect 1 is described as:

  • Caucasian male approx. 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall;
  • Wearing grey jeans, a black zippered hoodie, white undershirt, dark gloves, dark shoes and a full face ski mask;
  • Carrying a dark coloured duffle bag;

Suspect 2 is described as:

  • Caucasian male approx. 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall;
  • Wearing dark coveralls with reflective stripes on cuffs, ankles and across the back, dark gloves, dark footwear and a pair of sunglasses with reflective lenses;

“Both men are considered to be armed and dangerous,” adds O’Donaghey. “If spotted, do not approach either suspect and call your local police immediately.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.

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UPDATE:

Witnesses on scene say a truck was driven into an empty lot and set on fire, before the firebugs took off on foot.

A red pick-up truck has been totalled after it was allegedly intentionally set on fire.

A large fireball and explosion was reported in the area coming from an empty lot behind a new development on Majoros Road.

A police helicopter is scouring the area.

The area is now considered an active crime scene.

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ORIGINAL:

A truck has reportedly burst into flames in West Kelowna.

A call of a car explosion on the 3700 block of Gellatly Road came into emergency services at about 4 p.m. on March 28.

A plume of smoke near Gellatly and Witt Road could be seen from around the area.

The Cap News will have more information as it becomes available.

Send your best news tips, photos and video to newstips@kelownacapnews.com.

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