Multiple teens charged in violent Calgary robberies

Several teens are facing charges after a series of violent robberies in Calgary.

Between Nov. 18 and Dec. 3, police were called to eight different pharmacies, convenience stores and vape shops after they were targetted in “take-over style” robberies that involved guns and violence.

Police say, in most cases, the teens would approach workers showing a weapon then rush behind the counter, physically overcome staff and demand products from them.

Several victims have reported not only being verbally threatened but also have reported being kicked, punched and pistol-whipped by the robbers.

“The level of violence victims are experiencing during these robberies is disturbing and has had traumatic effects,” said S/Sgt. Kathy Graham of the Calgary Police Service Robbery Unit in a release.

“Watching footage of these robberies and assaults is shocking and our investigators have been working tirelessly to apprehend and charge those responsible.”

READ MORE:

• Men wanted after kidnapping, robbery in Sept.

• Man charged with first-degree murder in shooting death of Alberta store employee

• Calgary man charged in bank robbery

Police have arrested and charged four 16-year-olds with several robbery and weapons-related charges.

Altogether, the four teens are facing more than 130 charges. Their names will not be released due to protections under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Investigators are continuing to look for other suspects related to the robberies and expect more charges to be laid.

Police are also using this time to ask the public for help in locating three suspects believed to have been involved in a robbery at a Pharmasave on Nov. 18.

Four suspects entered the location along Martindale Blvd. and began yelling at staff and customers to get on the ground.

One suspect was carrying a handgun and demanded that staff open the pharmaceutical drug safe. During that exchange, one staff member was kicked and pistol-whipped by one of the offenders.

WATCH: Several suspects rush into a pharmacy and physically assault staff while stealing products from behind the counter. 

Police believe all three suspects are between the ages of 16 and 17 years old and were wearing black clothing, face masks and carrying black backpacks.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.