By FRED DAVIES
News Reporter
Riverside Resort in Qualicum Beach was hit by an armed robber Saturday evening, the latest in a series of robberies with a weapon that local RCMP characterize as highly unusual for the area.
Oceanside RCMP responded to a 6:05 p.m. call on Saturday of an individual making off on foot with a small amount of cash after brandishing a weapon at the lone female working the front desk. The individual was described as having his face obscured, wearing a baseball cap and socks for gloves.
"A single unknown male entered the store with a weapon that was not a knife or firearm," said Cpl. Gary Cox, adding dogs were brought in to track the culprit.
"We did find some clothing a short distance away from the scene which was recovered for DNA analysis. We also seized tapes for video surveillance."
Cox said a truck, with three males known to police inside, was stopped nearby a short time later. The men were questioned but released without charge.
"They are still suspects until we can eliminate them as suspects," said Cox, who noted the weapon used in the latest incident was different than the one used in three previous armed robberies occurring at Kim's Corner Store and the legion in Qualicum Beach.