Teen facing charges after robbing 21 retail stores in various disguises: CPS
Posted Dec 20, 2024 2:05 pm.
Last Updated Dec 20, 2024 8:33 pm.
A teen is facing charges after a string of retail robberies in Calgary and Edmonton throughout the fall.
Calgary police say investigators linked 21 robberies, 17 in Calgary and four in Edmonton, to the same suspect after working closely with the Edmonton Police Service.
The robberies targeted cannabis and convenience stores between Sept. 1 and Dec. 16. Police say, in each case, the suspect would disguise himself with fake beards, moustaches, hats, sunglasses, masks and wigs.
The suspect also allegedly had a gun during most of the robberies. Investigators seized an airsoft gun that they believe the suspect dropped during one of the incidents.
On Dec. 16, officers arrested a man in a northeast Calgary parking lot and executed search warrants at a Saddle Ridge home, a vehicle and a storage locker.
During the searches, police seized a replica airsoft gun, two homemade stun guns, brass knuckles, multiple disguises, and cigarette and vape products.
“Incidents like these victimize more than just a business that suffers a financial loss,” says Staff Sgt. Kurt Jacobs of the CPS robbery unit. “This was a complex investigation that required a great deal of collaboration, teamwork and expertise.”
Calgary resident Ramy Khattab, 19, is facing 22 charges including one count of armed robbery, five counts of robbery and five counts of disguise with intent.
He is expected to appear in a Calgary courtroom on Monday.
