EDMONTON — It’s still not known how a robbery suspect died after being “subdued” by bar patrons in Bruderheim, Alberta.
The Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy but says further testing and investigation needs to be conducted to discover a cause of death.
On Wednesday night, Fort Saskatchewan RCMP were called to a complaint of an armed robbery at a licensed establishment in Bruderheim.
Cst. Jason Curtis with Alberta RCMP ‘K’ Division says the suspect was able to get some money and get away a short distance.
Officers say when they arrived the man had been “subdued” by bar patrons. When police arrested him, they noticed he was in medical distress.
“RCMP officers initiated CPR and life-saving measures, as well as getting provincial EMS on the way,” said Curtis.
The suspect was transported to hospital in Edmonton where he remained in critical condition. RCMP say he died of his injuries late Friday afternoon.
The Edmonton Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating.
Curtis says while he understands people do not want to see others robbed or hurt, he strongly urges against anyone getting involved during a robbery or crime of any kind.
“This is a very dangerous situation. The individual was brandishing what appeared to be a firearm. We do not recommend at all that people get involved,” he said Saturday.
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“We do not recommend at all engaging anyone in any type of violent confrontation because people can get injured and people can unfortunately die.”
The deceased name will not be released.
Bruderheim’s mayor, Karl Hauch, said he does not know the two patrons personally.
“My understanding is that it was some fellows that were at the hotel,” he said. “Who they were, I don’t know.”
Hauch said the case is “in the RCMP’s hands,” but added this kind of incident is rare in Bruderheim.
“Usually there’s no weapon produced that I’ve ever heard about,” said Hauch. “To my knowledge, this was the first time there was an actual armed robbery – with what proved to be a phony weapon – but how would the waitress know that?”
“Bruderheim is a great community to live in,” he added. “We have lots to be proud about.
“Unfortunately, crime happens everywhere, and this time it was Victoria Hotel in Bruderheim that was victimized.”
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