Police investigate violent robbery series
The Calgary Police Service has apprehended offenders believed to be involved in a series of violent robberies that occurred last night in Calgary, and continue to investigate the incidents.
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, between approximately 6 p.m. and 9:40 p.m., a large group of male offenders were involved in a crime spree targeting retail outlets across the city.
The first robbery occurred at NAOMI, located at 78A 3800 Memorial Drive N.E., where offenders stole an undisclosed amount of merchandise. When staff members intervened, they were assaulted by the offenders who then fled the scene.
The second robbery occurred at a COSTCO located at 75 East Hills Blvd S.E., where it is believed the same offenders from the previous robbery entered the store and swarmed an electronics display and stole multiple cellphones. Offenders were confronted by staff members and members of the public upon fleeing and a large brawl ensued.
The next robbery attempted was at the Best Buy located at 901 17 Avenue S.W. Loss Prevention officers recognized some members of the group and called police at which time the group fled the store.
The group of offenders were then reported at Market Mall located at 3625 Shaganappi Trail N.W., where mall security observed suspicious behaviour and contacted police. Upon arrival, police observed a large group of male offenders in Foot Locker attempting to steal an undisclosed amount of merchandise. Two staff members of the retailer were assaulted during this incident. Police arrested two male offenders on the scene and other members of the group fled.
The next robbery targeted a Walmart located at 1200 37 St S.W., where offenders attempted to steal multiple video game consoles. Store staff intervened and the offenders fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of merchandise. No injuries were reported by staff.
The final robbery attempt occurred at another Walmart location in Royal Oak located at 8888 Country Hills Boulevard N.W. Staff of the retail store had been made aware of the offenders and police were actively patrolling various retail locations, which included the above business. Police observed the group enter the retail store at which time two of the offenders were taken into custody. The remaining three offenders fled the store and were subsequently arrested in the immediate area.
Charges are pending against six youth involved, aged 13-17. Two offenders were charged with robbery, one offender was charged with weapons offences and one offender was arrested for outstanding criminal warrants.
Police continue to investigate and are working closely with all staff, retailers and witnesses involved.
Case# 18496455/4465