Robbery suspect tackled

By JENNIFER DYCK Morning Star Staff Jan 17 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Kevin Dunsmore literally throws his weight around for a living as a security guard and bar bouncer. So when a thief tried to rob Gregory's Fine Jewellery Tuesday, Dunsmore thought nothing of taking him down. The 34-year-old Vernon man and friend Barry Wapple were flagged down at 12:30 p.m. outside the 30th Avenue store while driving.

"We're told there's a robbery at the jewelry store and to call the cops," said Dunsmore.
Wapple instantly notified the RCMP and Dunsmore took to the storefront. "At first he was coming out and everyone was backing away because they didn't know if he had a weapon or anything. "Then the owner had him and then I had him and we took him down," said the Monashee's bouncer in a casual manner.

Dunsmore and Wapple give themselves little credit for what they did. "I'm used to it. I've been bouncing since I was 17," said Dunsmore. Wapple, 43, adds: "We just left the gym so we were pretty pumped up." Although the two men don't give themselves much credit for their own actions, which included keeping the thief restrained, the store owner did impress them.
"Greg (Bird) took him down pretty good," said Dunsmore. Both he and Wapple were also surprised to see several RCMP vehicles surrounding the scene within two or three minutes.
"They came much faster than I expected," said Wapple.

Shortly after the RCMP arrived, the suspect, who is known to police, was taken to Vernon Jubilee Hospital with minor injuries. There are at least two other accomplices who were waiting for the suspect in a green Dodge pickup truck with a grey stripe. They were not apprehended.
But it was the overall response to crime in their community that really made an impact on Dunsmore and Wapple. "A lot of people stopped here, some of them just to stare, but a lot of them stopped to help. It's good. That's the way it should be," said Wapple.