Police are searching for a pair of suspects who attempted to rob a Vernon business and managed to evade arrest Thursday afternoon. 

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP received a report of a panic alarm at a business in the 3000 block of 30th Avenue just after 3 p.m. May 15. Officers went to the area and learned two men had attempted to rob a business there. 

A staff member told police that one of the men had entered the business armed with a small axe and had moved toward a display case. An employee confronted the would-be robber and was able to deter him. The man then fled the store. 

Police officers patrolled the area extensively but were unable to locate either of the suspects, according to media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski. 

The suspects were wearing black pants and hoodies. Police are continuing their investigation and will be canvassing for video from businesses in the area, Terleski said. 

Anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, or has information that may help the investigation, is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-545-7171 and quote file #2025-7370.