Police are pleading with the public to come forward with information about the suspects responsible for a slew of armed robberies in Red Deer.
Since Jan. 22, there have been eight armed robberies at convenience stores and gas stations in mostly the north end of the city.
“We believe there are people in the community that know who are responsible for these,” said Red Deer RCMP Cpl. Leanne Molzahn. “We are just asking them to do the right thing in assisting us where they can either by calling us ... or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.”
Molzahn said no one has been hurt but these incidents are terrifying for the clerks at the stores.
“These criminals are pointing weapons at victims and that’s a terrifying experience for a person to go through,” she said. “The RCMP are doing everything we can to put a stop to it. We ask the public to join us in bringing those responsible to justice.”
The RCMP believe two men are responsible for the three robberies at the Corral Foods (6834 59th Ave.), Fas Gas (5926 54th Ave.) and Fas Gas Plus (5101 76th St.) between Feb. 19 and 24.
Police believe a third accomplice waited in a nearby getaway vehicle in all three robberies.
Police have not determined whether the remaining five holdups are connected.
Molzahn said the police are continuing to analyze all the evidence and working with the criminal analyst before linking robberies or other crimes.
She said police are taking the issue seriously and several investigators are working on the cases.
In all eight cases, two male suspects have demanded cash and cigarettes from store clerks while brandishing either a handgun or a knife.
A couple of the stores have been hit twice.
The most recent robbery was on March 4 at the Eastview Husky (3929 39th St.). All others were in north Red Deer.
Molzahn said police do not know what is contributing to the spike in armed robberies but indicated this is out of the norm.
Anyone with information that may assist the police with these investigations is asked to call Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com