Citizens tackle suspect

By Vernon Daily Courier staff Wednesday, January 17, 2007 http://www.dailycourier.ca/article_885.php
A 24-year-old Vernon resident was arrested Tuesday afternoon after the owner of a downtown jewellery store and three bystanders tackled him then sat on him while waiting for police to arrive and make the arrest.A man entered Gregory’s Fine Jewellery at 12:35 p.m. He was armed with a crowbar, which he used to smash a display case, said Vernon RCMP Cpl. Henry Proce. “This attracted the attention of the store owner who tackled the would-be culprit as he attempted to flee from the store,” said Proce. Three men passing by saw the skirmish and together the four men pinned the alleged thief to the ground.

Police arrived minuted later to make the arrest. The 24 year old was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with minor injuries.“Witnesses reported the thief was not acting alone,” said Proce. “He had arrived on scene in a newer, green Dodge pickup with a matching canopy and grey stripe. The vehicle appears to have been occupied by two other males. They fled the scene when they realized the theft had gone awry.” Anyone who may have seen the crime is urged to call police or Crimestoppers, said Proce.The culprit is well known to police and remains in custody at the Vernon detachment. He is expected to make his first court appearance this morning.“This attempted theft is eerily similar to the ‘Santa Claus theft’ that took place at Jacques Jewelers in downtown Vernon on Dec. 12, 2006,” said Proce. “In that case, the same modus operandi was followed except that the culprit was disguised in a Santa suit.” No arrests have been made as yet in that theft.

(See Santa Claus Post at Police seek bad Santa