3 charged in armed robbery of Calgary consignment store

Three people have been charged in connection to an armed robbery at a Calgary consignment store last week.

Police say on Wednesday, Aug. 9, around 5:50 p.m., staff at Vespucci Consignment on Elbow Drive called 911 to report a robbery in progress.

An unknown man and woman had entered the store and began threatening staff and customers, according to investigators.

Calgary police say the woman had a gun and shot one round into the ceiling to scare staff and customers into complying.

The suspects left with an unspecified amount of store merchandise before police arrived.

No physical injuries were reported in connection to the incident.

After speaking with witnesses and reviewing security camera footage, investigators identified a vehicle thought to be used in the incident.

Police stopped the vehicle, which was reportedly stolen, in the northwest Thursday, and arrested a man and woman.

Investigators also executed two search warrants in the northeast, which resulted in the arrest of a third suspect in connection with the incident.

Calgary police say they recovered stolen property from the store, along with disguises and 346.3 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $27,568.

A second car that was also reported stolen was located.

Katie Lynn Carpentier, 25, has been charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of breach of a release order, police say.

Steven Blair Draxel, 30, has been charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence, one count of stolen property over $5,000, one count of resisting arrest, and eight counts of breaching a court order.

Martina Kristal Valentini, 38, has been charged with one count of robbery with a firearm, one count of wearing a disguise with intent to commit and indictable offence, and one count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

All three suspects were scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Calgary police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.