Three suspects charged in armed robbery of consignment store
We have arrested and charged three suspects who are believed to be responsible for an armed commercial robbery at a consignment business last week.
On Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at approximately 5:50 p.m., store staff at Vespucci Consignment located at 8248 Elbow Drive S.W., called police for reports of a robbery in progress. An unknown man and woman had entered the store, threatening staff and customers. The woman was armed with a firearm and discharged one round into the ceiling in an attempt to have customers and staff comply with demands.
The suspects fled prior to police arrival with an undisclosed amount of store merchandise. No injuries were reported.
After speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage, investigators identified a suspect vehicle believed to be used in the incident. On Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, police conducted a traffic stop in the northwest resulting in the arrest of the man and woman. The vehicle was determined to be stolen.
Later that same day, two search warrants were executed in the 1300 block of Coventry Hills Way N.E., and in the 600 block of Red Stone Drive N.E., resulting in the arrest of a third suspect believed to be involved in the incident, and the recovery of stolen property from the store, including disguises used by the suspects and 346.3 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $27,568. A second car that was also reported stolen was found at the second address.
As a result, Katie Lynn CARPENTIER, 25, is charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of breach of a release order.
Steven Blair DRAXEL, 30, is charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, one count of stolen property over $5,000, one count of resisting arrest, and eight counts of breaching a court order.
Martina Kristal VALENTINI, 38, is charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit and indictable offence and one count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.
All three accused were scheduled to appear in court today, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 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
CA 23341053/4693