Airdrie RCMP has released photos of a man alleged to be responsible for an armed robbery on Jan. 1 at the Super 8 hotel in Airdrie located on East Lake Boulevard.
In the incident, a male with an undisclosed weapon entered the hotel and threatened the front desk receptionist. The suspect was able to make off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
RCMP was able to obtain photos of the suspect by utilizing video surveillance, according to Airdrie RCMP Media Liaison Constable Francine Hennelly.
“The (suspect) was wearing very recognizable clothing, which I found interesting,” she said. “We were able to obtain an excellent photo, and he’s wearing some really recognizable clothing.”
In the photo, the suspect is seen wearing a red and white jacket, black jeans, a cream-coloured mask and black runners with a large white rubber sole. The suspect is also wearing a black-rimmed cap and a red toque.
“We’re requesting the public’s assistance, so if anyone recognizes that jacket or that particular person’s build to come forward,” Hennelly said.
The front desk receptionist was not injured during the incident, according to Hennelly.
Liquor store robbery
Airdrie RCMP is seeking assistance from the public to identify a lone man alleged to be responsible for an armed robbery at the Eastlake Wine and Spirits liquor store on Jan. 12.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., a man entered the liquor store brandishing what appeared to be a firearm and demanded cash from the clerk. The clerk obliged, and the suspect fled on foot.
RCMP later recovered what was an imitation firearm nearby, according to Airdrie RCMP Constable Curtis Peters.
“We determined it was not a real firearm, so there’s no threat to the public’s safety,” he said.
RCMP tracked the suspect to a residential area with RCMP Police Dog Services.
“The track ended there. The police dogs followed the track, and the track came to an end,” Peters said.
“There were some tracks there that would indicate this person got into a vehicle. That’s the most likely possibility.”
The suspect is described as being caucasian and between five foot nine to six feet tall.
Hennelly said multiple armed robberies in the community over a short period of time could be attributable to the holiday season.
“Christmas was a busy time for us,” she said. “We know Christmas can be a time of desperation and sometimes it’s reflected in the calls we respond to.”
Sunglasses theft
Employees at the Sunglass Hut store in CrossIron Mills mall in Balzac reported the theft of three pairs of sunglasses with a total value of $750 to Airdrie Rural RCMP on Jan. 3, according to Constable Matt Gervais.
“All the glasses are on display and if there’s a hole, you kind of notice it right away,” he said. “They then reviewed their video and saw the (male suspect).”
According to Gervais, the theft took place sometime in the middle of the afternoon.
“Sunglasses are often stolen because they are easy to resell,” he said.
RCMP describes the man as caucasian, 50 to 55 years old and approximately 200 pounds with dark brown hair and a larger nose. He was wearing a large puffy blue jacket, jeans and grey/blue running shoes.
Crossfield Arson
Airdrie Rural RCMP was quick to respond to the scene of a suspected arson and vandalism to a vehicle in Crossfield on Jan. 1, according to Hennelly.
“We actually drove by on our way to another call and noted the fire,” Hennelly said. “We then called the fire department.”
Officers found a dark blue 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer set ablaze in a lot on Railway Street. The windows of the vehicle had been smashed and the interior lit on fire. Hennelly said RCMP called the incident in between 3:45 and 4 a.m.
Hennelly said the RCMP is asking for the public’s help with this investigation.
“We checked for video surveillance and there was none,” she said.
There were no injuries. Hennelly said RCMP would like to speak to anyone who has any information.
If you have any information about any crime, contact the Airdrie RCMP Detachment at (403) 945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at tipsubmit.com
