On March 31 around 8:30 p.m., Merritt RCMP responded to a call at the Old Barley Market on Quilchena Avenue. Staff advised that a white male approximately six feet tall came into the store with an orange hoodie and a white mask obstructing his face. The male appeared to be carrying an unidentified item in his hand and was confronted by the clerk. The male hesitated and then fled from the scene. RCMP searched the area and located the hoodie and mask in a dumpster nearby.
Staff was not harmed in the confrontation and nothing was taken but police are seeking any information from the public on this instance.
Lotto tickets, cash taken from gas station
Approximately two hours later, Merritt RCMP received a call from the Petro-Canada gas station on Voght Street at gasoline alley. The business was closed and staff was cleaning up for the evening when three males entered the front door wearing dark clothing, hoodies and balaclavas.
Two males stayed in the front with a large bat or stick while the third male went behind the counter and grabbed a large quantity of cash and lotto tickets. The three males then fled the store on foot.
Police dog services were called to attend and tracked the males to a nearby subdivision before losing the scent.
The file is still under investigation and police are asking for anyone with information on these or any other crimes to please contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
