Police charge two men after several targeted armed robberies
We have charged two men with several counts of robbery with a firearm after they were believed to be targeting victims who were seen leaving local casinos.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the victim returned to his residence in southwest Calgary after a night spent at ACE Airport Casino, located at 40 Aero Cres. N.E.
It is believed that as the victim exited his vehicle to enter his residence, two unknown men approached him, pushed him to the ground and threatened him with a firearm. The suspects demanded the victim’s belongings and fled in a black sedan with an undisclosed amount of money.
On Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, two similar robberies occurred in the early morning hours, where again, the victims had departed the ACE Airport Casino and were subsequently followed home by the suspects. Once the victims arrived at their residences, they were approached by two men who demanded money and belongings, while threatening the victims with a firearm. In each instance the suspects obtained money and fled in a black sedan.
Following reports to police in relation to the three robbery incidents, officers immediately began investigating and quickly identified a suspect vehicle.
Through their investigations, officers were able to track the suspects preventing them from targeting additional victims, and on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m., officers arrested the men at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, located at 3777 Grey Eagle Dr. S.W.
As a result, Tyler Gerald CHABOT, 31, of Calgary, was charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm, two counts of committing an offence while disguised and possession of crack cocaine.
Anthony Richard VANDER HEIDE, 30, of Calgary, was charged with four counts of robbery with a firearm.
Both men will next appear in court tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.
“This investigation resulted in the apprehension of two dangerous men who were targeting unsuspecting victims at their homes following an enjoyable night out,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Cory Tait. “Thanks to our investigators who intervened this criminal behaviour, further victimization was prevented. As always, we are reminding Calgarians to stay vigilant, be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to police.”
Anyone who has information about these, or similar incidents is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
CA24314603/CA24320852/CA24321053/3951