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Two suspects in La Crete armed robbery December 1, 2023. Photos courtesy Fort Vermillion RCMP
By Erika Rolling
Crime

Armed robbery suspects being sought after in La Crete

Dec 4, 2023 | 12:37 PM

Mounties in Fort Vermillion are asking for the publics help with gathering information related to a string of crimes that took place in the La Crete area last Friday.

On December 1, at approximately 7:08 a.m., Fort Vermillion RCMP was notified of a break-and-enter at the Buffalo Head Prairie Co-op, south of La Crete.

A suspect had gained entry to the store, damaged property, and fled in an unknown direction.

On the same day, at approximately 8:20 p.m., Mounties received a report of an armed robbery at Friesen’s General Store, North of La Crete that happened just five minutes prior.

Two suspects with masks entered the store at closing time, displaying a firearm and machete towards the store employee. One suspect entered the store and demanded cash from the employee. The two suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money in a dark-coloured pick-up truck.

The employee was not physically injured from the incident.

Both suspects are believed to be males in their 20s.

RCMP has released surveillance camera images of the suspects, in hopes people can identify them.

They are described as:

Suspect 1:

  • Medium build
  • Wearing a white mask
  • Plaid jacket
  • Dark pants
  • Black running shoes with white soles
    Suspect 1

Suspect 2 :

  • Slim build
  • Wearing a black balaclava
  • Dark sweater with a hood
  • White cloves
  • Black jacket
  • Grey pants
  • Black shoes
    Suspect 2

On Saturday December 2, at around 12:30 a.m., Mounties were made aware of a stolen black Toyota Tacoma from a residence in La Crete between 4:00-10:00 p.m. the day prior (Friday, December 1).

The truck was recovered and officers believe this was the truck used for the robbery at Friesen’s General Store.

Police also believe all three incidents are connected, by the unknown suspects.

Fort Vermilion RCMP are asking anyone with information that could assist in identifying the suspects, please contact them at 780-927-3255 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

by Erika Rolling