Police investigating series of robberies and related sexual assaults
We are investigating a string of six robberies and related sexual assaults that occurred at businesses in the Montgomery, Chinook and Ogden areas last month. Due to the nature of the offences, some victims were initially reluctant to come forward to police.
The robberies and assaults occurred between Monday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, and in each instance, a man entered the personal care business, demanded money at gunpoint and later sexually assaulted female employees. Each time, the offender posed as a potential customer and made efforts to determine if the victims were alone in the establishment prior to engaging in his crimes. In some instances, the man stayed in the business speaking with employees and revealing personal details. When interrupted by other staff or customers, the offender would flee the scene.
“We are making a plea for the individual responsible for these offences to come forward to police and turn yourself in so further harm can be prevented,” said Detective Timothy Fitzgibbon with the Calgary Police Service Sexual Assault Investigative Unit. “We have numerous images and are confident someone will identify the person involved.”
The suspect is described as a 30- to 50-year-old man, about 6'1" tall and 240 pounds, with reddish hair and a beard. He was wearing a light Columbia winter jacket with grey sleeves and black track pants at the time of some of the offences. He has also worn both running shoes and shorter black boots, and either a baseball cap or a black toque.
He has been seen driving a 2011 to 2020 black Dodge Caravan SXT. The van has extra driving lamps on the lower front bumper area and upgraded mag rims.
Photos and video of the suspect, as well as a photo of the actual vehicle and a stock photo of the van model, are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
If you have any information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect, please contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or call 911 if there is a crime in progress. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through either of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: P3 App
Case #22040188/3522