Calgary, AB,
19
April
2017
|
11:12
America/Denver

Seeking public assistance to identify robbery suspect

The Calgary Police Service is asking for public assistance to identify a man believed to be responsible for two robberies in Calgary and one in Leduc, Alta.

On Saturday, March 25, 2017, at approximately 5:50 p.m., police were called to a business located in the 800 block of 12 Avenue S.W., for reports of a robbery. It is alleged that a man and woman met online and had agreed to meet in person at the business. When the man arrived, he opened up his jacket, displaying a vest that said “POLICE” across the chest. He stated he was a police officer and then stole the woman’s debit card, cell phone, laptop and an undisclosed amount of cash. He immediately fled the scene.

On Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a different woman who had also met a man online arranged to meet him at a business located in the 2500 block of 48 Avenue N.E. Upon meeting, the man revealed a black vest that said “POLICE” across the chest and then placed the woman in handcuffs. He then took the woman’s cell phone and an undisclosed amount of money before removing the handcuffs and fleeing the scene.

Upon reviewing CCTV images from both incidents, it is believed the same suspect is responsible for both robberies and is not a legitimate police officer. Through working with the RCMP, investigators also believe that a similar incident that occurred in Leduc, Alta., on Sunday, March 26, 2017, is connected to these robberies.

The man is described as possibly being of Middle Eastern descent, approximately 20 to 30 years old, 5’7” to 5’8” tall, with a slim to medium build and black ear-length hair. In all incidents he was dressed in black pants, black boots and a black sweater, with a black vest or shirt underneath that said “POLICE” in large letters. He was also wearing black eye glasses and a ‘Coors Light’ baseball hat during the first incident.

Anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of the man is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Case #17120800/4252