Police search for person of interest in string of cellphone store robberies in Edmonton area

EDMONTON — Alberta RCMP believe a string of robberies at Edmonton-area cellphone stores may be connected.

The most recent robbery happened in Leduc Monday evening. Police said three masked men entered the Bell Wireless Store on Discovery Way at around 5:30 p.m. and threatened two employees with knives. An “undisclosed amount of merchandise” was stolen, RCMP said in a media release Tuesday afternoon.

The thieves were able to get away. Police said the employees were not physically injured in the ordeal.

“Although the store employees were not physically hurt, they were certainly victimized. Being confronted by masked thieves is a traumatic experience, especially when they are armed,” RCMP Superintendent Kevin Murray said.

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“When weapons are involved, the stakes go way up. That is why we need the public’s help in finding whoever is responsible for these crimes.”

This is the third robbery involving cellphone stores in the Edmonton area in the past few weeks.

On Monday, Nov. 23, police said a Telus store in Fort Saskatchewan was robbed by three masked men. On Wednesday, Dec. 16, a Rogers Wireless store in Leduc was targeted by two masked men who police believe were carrying guns.

RCMP believe these three cellphone store robberies may be linked to similar robberies in Edmonton. RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service are working together on the investigation.

“Right now it’s clear that some stores selling mobile devices may be vulnerable as there is a demand for these high-priced items,” Detective Jason Rodberg of the EPS Robbery Section said Tuesday. “However, we work closely with local merchants and the bigger mobile companies to ensure everyone is communicating about this issue.”

No one has been arrested, but police have identified a person of interest in some of the robberies.

Police are now searching for 20-year-old Dawit Abraham Atsbaha, whose last known address was in Edmonton.

Anyone with information on Atsbaha or any of the robberies is asked to contact the RCMP or EPS.