A New West man arrested for allegedly robbing a convenience store in the Okanagan is now facing more charges following an incident shortly after his bail release.
According to Kelowna RCMP, Lake Country Mounties arrested the suspect after they responded to an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven along Highway 97 shortly before 3 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Staff at the 7-Eleven allege the suspect entered the store with a rifle and demanded cash, lottery tickets and cigarettes. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and goods but was quickly arrested, according to a release from Kelowna RCMP.
The suspect, a 40-year-old man from New Westminster, was charged with robbery, disguise with intent, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, use of an imitation firearm, flight from police, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
The following day, the suspect was released but a short while later he was found in breach of conditions of his bail. He was again arrested and taken to the Kelowna RCMP detachment.
While in lock-up officers observed the New West man “attempting to use items of his clothing to commit self-harm, resulting in intervention being required by officers. When police entered the cell, a struggle ensued and it is alleged that (the suspect) repeatedly punched and kicked the responding officer until (the suspect) could be restrained,” the release stated.
The officer was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and released.
Dennis Garth De Witt is now charged with breach of recognizance and assaulting a peace officer. He remains in custody at this time and is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 24.
