Youth charged in connection with multiple robberies

The Calgary Police Service has charged one youth following a series of robberies throughout Calgary.

On Friday, May 24, 2019, at approximately 12:45 p.m., a verbal argument occurred on a Calgary Transit bus that was travelling through Penbrooke Meadows. Following the argument, an unknown male youth sprayed the victim with bear spray and fled the bus. There were approximately ten other passengers on the bus who were also affected by the bear spray.

One week later, on Friday, May 31, 2019, a citizen made arrangements to sell an item of clothing at a public meeting place in Marlborough Park. At approximately 5:50 p.m., when the man attended, he was approached by two suspects who demanded the item of clothing. The victim handed over the item, at which time the suspects bear sprayed him and fled the area. Two similar robberies occurred on Saturday, June 1, 2019, in the communities of Abbeydale and Applewood Park.

Based on evidence collected from the scenes, and working together with School Resource Officers, investigators were able to identify a potential suspect.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed weapon, robbery and assault with a weapon.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

Bear spray, if carried for the intention of protection against a bear attack, is legal. However, when used on another person, someone can be charged with an assault-related offence. Pepper spray is a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Case #19214478/5150