Calgary, AB,
26
November
2020
|
07:40
America/Denver

Three charged in robbery of senior downtown

We often recover stolen property during our investigations and do our best to return the stolen items to their rightful owner. But when we can return a special item to a victim of a serious assault, that is especially meaningful to our officers. That occurred this week as we charged three teens in relation to an attack on a senior during which his distinctive jacket was stolen.

“Last September, we asked for the public’s help to locate suspects in the robbery and assault of a senior in downtown Calgary,” said Staff Sergeant Jodi Gach. “We are pleased to report not only have three individuals been charged, but we were also able to return the stolen jacket to the senior.”

Just after 11 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, a man in his 70s was walking in the area of Sixth Avenue and Seventh Street S.W., when he was approached by a man and two women who demanded his jacket and produced a handgun. The suspects grabbed the man’s arms and pushed him to the ground, striking his head on the pavement. They took the senior’s jacket and fled. The senior was taken to hospital for minor injuries sustained in the attack.

“This was a senseless attack on a senior for no greater reason than the suspects wanted the victim’s jacket,” said Staff Sergeant Gach. “This has had lasting impacts on the victim and could have been even more serious. These kinds of attacks will not be tolerated.

“We also wanted to recognize the citizens that stepped in to help this senior before first responders arrived and thank them for their support. They truly demonstrate that as a community, we have a responsibility to look out for each another. Thank you for helping a person in need.”

On Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, a search warrant was executed on a residence in the 2700 block of 17A Street N.W. Three individuals were  charged following the execution of the search warrant and further investigation led to the location of the senior’s jacket.

Tyler MCKENZIE, 19, of Calgary, is charged with robbery with a restricted or prohibited firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, robbery with a restricted or prohibited firearm, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, failure to comply with an undertaking and failure to comply with a release order.

Sydney-Lee Rosalie SAUNDERS, 18, has been charged with possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, robbery with a restricted or prohibited firearm and four counts of failure to comply with a release order.

A 17-year-old female has been charged with robbery with a restricted or prohibited firearm.

Case #20383291/5547