SASKATOON – The hunt may be over. Persons of interest in connection to a recent string of armed robberies are now in police custody and being interviewed.
The Saskatoon Police Service confirmed Monday that four persons of interest were picked up at different points over the weekend. The two sets of two people are believed to be behind a rash of armed robberies in the city.
“We have our investigators interviewing them, we’re attempting to find any information or evidence that links them to armed robbery activity,” said police spokesperson Alyson Edwards.
“We feel like we’ll have charges late today or early tomorrow.”
READ MORE: Saskatoon hit by a spree of armed robberies
In addition to the four people in custody, a 41-year-old man was arrested and charged by police with an armed robbery on Nov. 4.
Since Oct. 31, there have been nine armed robberies throughout the city. (*For a detailed account of each robbery please see below.)
A sudden surge in holdups are not uncommon for a city our size and crimes that highlight just how desperate bandits are becoming.
“Usually what happens when we have a large rash like this it’s one or two people or a small grouping and usually narcotics is at the bottom of it,” said police Chief Clive Weighill.
“They’re either addicted to drugs, they need the money to buy drugs or they’re trying to get the drugs from a drug store.”
To date there have been 144 armed robberies in 2015, down 40 from 2014. Despite the decline police say they’re concerned about the level of violence involved that appears to be escalating.
“It’s something that we’re working with our partner agencies on addressing, the whole drug culture that’s happening in our city and the violence that’s going along with it,” remarked Edwards.
To prevent these crimes from escalating any further often different police units will dedicate their time to help another. Crime analysts also spend day after day, month after month, pinpointing emerging crime trends as illegal activity is reported.
500 block of Cope Way @11:32 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2015.
Staff reported that a lone male entered the business armed with a firearm and demanded cash from the employee. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male wearing a grey hoodie with a green bandanna covering his face. He left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
No shots were fired, there were no injuries, and the investigation is continuing.
600 block of 22nd Street West @9:09 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2015.
Staff reported that a lone male entered the business and demanded cash from them. No weapons were shown and the suspect left without obtaining anything. He is described as a Caucasian male, 6’0″ tall, wearing a grey jacket and a bandanna covering his face.
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There were no injuries and the investigation is continuing.
2100 Block of 22nd Street West @10:25 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2015.
A lone male entered the business demanding cash. The suspect then fled the business on foot following the robbery. A subsequent canine track was attempted however unsuccessful.
At this time, patrol members are continuing to investigate.
1600 Block of Isabella Street East @ 3:12 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2015.
Two armed suspects entered the business demanding cash and merchandise. The suspects fled the store on foot following the robbery. A subsequent canine track was unsuccessful in locating a suspect. A witness reported seeing a dark blue SUV driving erratically in the area immediately following the incident, but it is unclear whether it was involved.
At this time, patrol officers and the forensic identification section continue to investigate.
100 block of Wedge Road @10:00 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2015.
Prior to Patrol’s arrival, they were advised that the suspect had fled the store on foot in an unknown direction. Investigation showed that a lone male entered the store wearing a mask and armed with a handgun, and demanded cash from the employee. An undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes were taken.
The man was described as being approximately 5’9″ to 5’11”, wearing a purple and white bandanna over his face, a grey and white plaid jacket and black pants. He was also carrying a black backpack.
No one was injured. A canine track was not successful in locating the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
ARREST – 400 Block of Confederation Drive.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., November 4, 2015, Police were called to a gas bar in the 400 block of Confederation Drive. A staff member reported that moments before a man had entered the business and demanded cash. It also appeared that the suspect had a weapon in his coat. The man then fled the scene on foot. Minutes later, responding officers arrested a man matching the suspect description at Diefenbaker Drive and Mowat Crescent.
The 41-year-old man will be facing charges related to the robbery.
1200 block of Idylwyld Dr N @1:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2015.
Staff members reported that two males entered the business, each carrying a handgun, and took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register. The suspects were described as both wearing grey jackets and had bandanas over their faces.
There were no injuries as a result of the robbery and the investigation is continuing.
600 block of Taylor St. E. @11:29 p.m. Nov. 1, 2015.
Staff of the business reported that a lone male entered the business and stated he had a weapon however one was not produced. He left on foot with an undisclosed amount of narcotics. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, 20-30 years of age wearing a grey winter jacket with multi colors, and a red toque.
There were no injuries and the investigation is continuing.
500 block of Cope Way @11:18 p.m. Oct. 31, 2015.
Staff of the business reported that a lone male entered the business with a firearm and demanded cash from the employee. The suspect is described as a male wearing a dark hoodie and had his face covered. He left with an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen walking behind the hotel. No other description is available at this time.
No shots were fired, there were no injuries, and the investigation is continuing.
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