In the wake of an attempted robbery in Elkford on Saturday, the East Kootenay Community Credit Union (EKC) is asking for public assistance in helping find the suspect.
The robbery attempt took place at about 9 a.m., Saturday, May 31, in Elkford, an hour and a half east of Cranbrook.
A staff member was opening the branch for the day’s business when the suspect forced his way in. A scuffle ensued, and the employee sustained a cut to their leg. The suspect also had bear spray, which was not used.
The suspect demanded cash, but the staff member told him it could not be accessed, as the cash was still locked away, in accordance to EKC’s procedures.
The suspect then fled, and the staff member phoned 911. The suspect was gone by the time Elk Valley RCMP arrived. The staff member was taken to hospital for stitches.
The suspect has still not been located. He is described as a male, 40 to 50 years old, weighing between 180 and 190 pounds. He was wearing rounded goggles with dark mirrored lenses, a black or grey toque, black gloves, medium coloured jeans, black footwear and a red windbreaker jacket with white or beige piping.
“We encourage anyone who may have seen anything in the area of the Elkford branch on the morning of Saturday, May 31 to call the Elk Valley RCMP at 250-425-6233 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477),” EKC said in a press release Tuesday.
The Elkford branch was scheduled to re-open Wednesday morning, June 4, at 10 a.m.
The Elk Valley Critical Incident Response Team was on site at the Elkford branch Tuesday morning. Counselling services were being provided.
“EKC procedures were followed, which assisted in the safety of employees and security of the facility,” said Jody Burk, EKC CEO.