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Similkameen pot store gets (cork)screwed

A 31-year-old Vancouver Island man was arrested Monday for robbery after attacking staff with a corkscrew at a Similkameen pot store and fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.
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File photo Amber Light Compassion Club in Cawston

A 31-year-old Vancouver Island man was arrested Monday for robbery after attacking staff with a corkscrew at a Similkameen pot store and fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.

Keremeos detachment Cpl. Brian Evans said the man entered the Amber Light Compassion Club in Cawston around noon.

“The man entered and demanded money. A physical altercation occurred with staff and he fled in a vehicle.”

The man got into a vehicle and headed east on Highway 3 towards Osoyoos.

RCMP deployed a spike belt just outside of Osoyoos.

“The vehicle was disabled and came to a stop in a residential area. Two individuals got out and were arrested.” he said.

Staff members at the pot store reported minor injuries from the alleged corkscrew altercation.

Evans declined to comment on the location or severity of injuries.

Chirstopher Spinney, 31 was charged with robbery.

A female was arrested and is facing drug charges related to the robbery and police are still investigating the involvement of a second man but no arrests have been made.

This is the first time a violent crime has been associated with the compassion club, which has been running for about a year. The club sells marijuana including smokeable products, edibles, oils and more.

Evans said RCMP do keep tabs on the facility, but have yet to lay any charges.

“Our position is that it’s still illegal. It’s an illegal operation. We encourage the proprietor to cease activities because police will enforce the law. We’re continuing to investigate and encourage the owner to terminate activities.”