Multiple youth charged in recent violent robberies
Our investigators have arrested four youth believed to be involved in a recent series of violent take-over style robberies in our city.
Between Thursday, Nov. 18, and Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, we attended eight different pharmacy, convenience store and vape store locations across our city, for reports of take-over style robberies involving handguns and physical violence.
In most cases, suspects approached store and pharmacy employees brandishing a weapon, or indicated they had a weapon, rushed behind barriers and counters, physically overcame staff and demanded access to cash, nicotine products and pharmaceutical drugs. Not only are employees reporting they have been verbally threatened, but more and more victims are reporting being physically assaulted, punched, kicked and pistol whipped by offenders.
“The level of violence victims are experiencing during these robberies is disturbing and has had traumatic effects,” said Staff Sergeant Kathy Graham of the Calgary Police Service Robbery Unit. “Watching footage of these robberies and assaults is shocking and our investigators have been working tirelessly to apprehend and charge those responsible.”
Recently, we have arrested and charged four individuals believed to be involved in the aforementioned robberies. All those arrested are youth and will not be named.
On Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, two 16-year-old male youth were arrested and charged with multiple counts of robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, disguise with intent to commit a crime, and possession of a dangerous weapon, for a total of 40 charges together.
On Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, a 16-year-old male youth was arrested and charged with multiple counts of robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, disguise with intent to commit a crime, and possession of a dangerous weapon, for a total of 24 charges.
On Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, a 16-year-old male youth was arrested and charged with multiple counts of robbery with a firearm, forcible confinement, disguise with intent to commit a crime, and possession of a dangerous weapon, for a total of 73 charges.
Investigators continue to search for other suspects in these incidents and additional arrests and charges are expected.
In addition, we would like to once again ask for the public’s help to identify three outstanding suspects believed to be involved in a violent pharmacy robbery that took place on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at the Pharmasave located at 79 Martindale Blvd. N.E.
Four suspects entered the pharmacy and began yelling at staff and customers to get on the ground. One suspect was carrying a handgun and demanded pharmacy staff open the pharmaceutical drug safe and during this exchange, an employee was kicked and pistol whipped by the offenders.
All three suspects are believed to be between the ages of 16 and 17 years old, and were wearing black clothing, face masks and carrying black backpacks at the time of the incident.
CCTV footage of these suspects can be found on The City of Calgary Newsroom. Please note that the footage depicts pharmacy employees being assaulted and may be disturbing for some viewers.
Anyone with information about this incident, or the individuals involved, is asked to call the non-emergency police number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #21480961, 21480992, 21459065, 21467959, 21479979, 21479996, 21467946, 21475322 / #3044/ #3492