Kamloops RCMP say a man is in custody after an armed robbery with a firearm at a business near Aberdeen Mall this afternoon.

Spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says around 12:45 p.m., they were told about a man who pulled out a BB gun and stole merchandise from a store on the 1300-block of West Trans Canada Highway. The suspect was later seen running near Laval Crescent and Notre Dame Drive after the robbery.

Evelyn says the suspect – who was known to police – was eventually tracked back to the Star Lodge on Columbia Street West, and arrested on unendorsed warrants. She also says a BB gun was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police also note a school was put on a hold and secure while they searched the area.

“Any use of a firearm in a criminal offence, including one that turns out to be an imitation firearm, is extremely concerning and presents a very high-risk to police and the general public,” Evelyn said, in a statement. “Luckily, today’s occurrence ended with the quick arrest of a suspect.”

“We thank the school and the community for their assistance while police investigated, and ask anyone who witnessed anything which may assist in our investigation to please call us.”

Evelyn previously noted that the suspect was a white man, standing six-foot-one with dark hair and a thin build. He has a face tattoo of a crown underneath his eye. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a red ball cap, grey hoodie and jeans, though he’s believed to have ditched his hat and changed into a white hoodie.

Anyone with information related to this robbery is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP and reference file 2021-12331.