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Police dog tracks down armed robbery suspect

Imitation handgun and mask found after RCMP arrest a Chilliwack man in connection with armed robbery of Sunspot Eye Wear store.

An armed robbery suspect was tracked down by an RCMP police dog Wednesday.

Sgt. Pat Lockert and his dog Tork were called in to investigate the armed robbery of the Sunspot Eye Wear store at 7491 Vedder Road when a man matching the description of the robber was reported a few blocks away in the 45500-block of Knight Road.

Tork picked up a trail and tracked the suspect for about 10 minutes, finally locating him in a hedge in the 7500-block of Topaz Street.

Police said they also found an imitation handgun, a mask and screwdriver, all of which they believe were used in the robbery.

Christopher Sepass, 26, of Chilliwack, has been charged with robbery, using an imitation firearm, and disguising his face to commit a criminal offence.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 14 in Chilliwack provincial court.

RCMP Cpl. Tammy Hollingsworth said the capture of "a potentially dangerous suspect" is  "yet another success story for our dog section."

Earlier this month, a police dog named Cargo located a missing senior suffering from Alzheimer's in less than 30 minutes, protecting her from any harm she might have encountered.

"Our police dogs are such an important part of our police force and offer such an invaluable serve," Hollingsworth said.

"This investigation showed exemplary team work by our members, who together located a potentially dangerous suspect," she said.