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RCMP arrest suspect in violent robbery

On Jan. 9, RCMP arrested a suspect from a violent robbery at a Whistler jewelry store that took place three days earlier. According to Constable Cory Bayda, the suspect is a young offender from the Coquitlam-Maple Ridge area.

On Jan. 9, RCMP arrested a suspect from a violent robbery at a Whistler jewelry store that took place three days earlier.

According to Constable Cory Bayda, the suspect is a young offender from the Coquitlam-Maple Ridge area. He was held in custody until Jan. 13, and was released pending charges.

Three youths were involved in the robbery of the Birks Jewlery Store in Whistler Village. According to the RCMP report, the three entered the store and were looking at various items when one of the youths punched the clerk in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. The male then grabbed several rings and fled the store in the direction of the Holiday Inn.

The clerk was taken to the clinic after the incident, but was okay except for some bruising. Even so, Bayda says the attack was a forceful blow, and that the police are taking it very seriously.

"It’s a pretty serious offence for Whistler, because violent crimes of this nature don’t occur up here. We made it a priority," he said.

They believe the youth they picked up was linked to the other two, and the RCMP have other suspects in the case.

"Right now we can’t confirm his involvement in the case, but we will lay charges as soon as we can prove his involvement," said Bayda.

The RCMP does have photographic evidence from the stores’ security cameras, and will release those images to the public in Whistler and the Lower Mainland once they get the go-ahead from Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with any information relating to the case should call the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.

RCMP investigating pedestrian death

On Jan. 11, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Whistler RCMP, Whistler Fire Department and B.C. Ambulance responded to a motor vehicle incident involving a pedestrian on Highway 99, just north of Meadow Lane.

According to witnesses, it appears that the man, a 26-year-old New Zealander, threw himself in front of a passing SUV. He was pronounced deceased on arrival at the Whistler Health Care Centre.

His next of kin in New Zealand were notified.

No charges are contemplated against the driver of the vehicle, and the RCMP and B.C. Coroner Service are continuing their investigation.

Police seeking stolen art

On Jan. 7, the Whistler RCMP received a report of a theft from The Plaza Galleries. Between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. a statue of a violin by Dino Rosin was taken from the store.

The statue is 27 inches high, eight inches wide and is made of Murano Glass. It has a weight of approximately 35 to 40 pounds.

The investigation is still ongoing. If you have any information, contact Constable Henderson of the Whistler RCMP.

Thief poses as room inspector

The RCMP are investigating the break and entering of a hotel room in the Mountain Side Lodge, and the theft of 130,000 Yen ($1,000), a Japanese debit card and credit cards.

According to the report, the couple who were staying in the room returned to find an unidentified male in their room. He said he was doing an inspection of the room, posing as a hotel employee.

He is described as five feet, nine or 10 inches tall, with a slim build. He has short brown hair, a dark blue dress shirt, and was approximately 30 years old.

He left after the couple returned, which is when they discovered the items missing.

If you have any information, contact Constable Leeson of the Whistler RCMP.