Downtown residents and visitors witnessed dramatic police roadblocks and were subject to questioning after a violent robbery at The Cash Store on Winnipeg Street and Cleveland Avenue on Sunday afternoon (May 13).
At 3:15 p.m., RCMP received a 911 call reporting a robbery at the business, which provides short term loans. A 26-year-old female clerk was alone in the store when a man entered. When the clerk walked from the back office to the front counter, the suspect grabbed her, threw her to the ground and uttered threats while demanding cash.
The employee called 911 immediately after the suspect fled the business with an undisclosed amount of cash and cheques, according to an RCMP news release.
RCMP members responded within one minute, according to Cpl. Dave Ritchie, and while members in one police cruiser responded directly to the scene, several others established a perimeter in the downtown area with the use of police dogs.
"You're looking for a suspect where the description is somewhat vague because she was basically protecting herself from injury during the assault," said Ritchie, adding that the clerk did tell police she did not see a weapon. "The perimeters are set up so we can try and monitor and contain the movement of people in the area. We utilize the dog service to try and track someone."
Forensic identification services were also used, but no suspect was apprehended.
The clerk was treated in hospital for injuries she sustained during the attack, and is still recovering, according to store manager Nicole Vardy.
Vardy added that although an RCMP statement describes cash and cheques as stolen, the store carries no cash on the premises.
"We don't issue cash," she said. "Debit cards are used for our protection."
Vardy said she's been in discussions with RCMP and the chain's head office to consider more elaborate security options. The investigation is continuing, and RCMP are asking anyone with information to contact the 樱桃视频RCMP detachment at 604 892-6100 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS.
