An off-duty RCMP officer was among the witnesses to an armed robbery at a Salmon Arm liquor store on New Year’s Day.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey says an Enderby man walked into the store on 11th Avenue N.E. armed with a long-barrelled gun, which he allegedly pointed at a customer.

“[He then fled] in a motor vehicle from the business with an undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes,” said O’Donaghey. “No staff or customers were physically injured during the interaction.

“The RCMP officer managed to obtain valuable information about the suspect and suspect vehicle which assisted investigators in advancing the robbery investigation to an arrest being made that evening.”

Anthony Robert Summers, 29, has been charged with 10 offences – including robbery with a firearm, disguising his face with the intent to commit an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Summers was remanded back into custody after a court appearance on Tuesday, pending another court appearance on Feb. 4.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Salmon Arm RCMP.