Picture Butte RCMP arrest armed robbery suspect

On Sept. 26 at 12:35 p.m. a male entered a convenience store in Nobleford, produced a handgun and demanded cash from the store cashier. The suspect fled on foot after not receiving any cash, and RCMP were contacted to investigate. The cashier in the store was not injured in the exchange.

Picture Butte RCMP, with the assistance of Coaldale RCMP, Lethbridge Traffic Services and Lethbridge Regional Police Service made immediate efforts to locate the male suspect and to advise local citizens of the situation.

The RCMP were able to make a link into an investigation into a prior armed robbery in Shaughnessy on Sept. 12. This prior incident had resulted in the Picture Butte RCMP identifying a possible suspect, who had yet to be located.

With further assistance from the Lethbridge Regional Police Service (LRPS), the suspect was arrested without incident.

An ongoing investigation has confirmed the male arrested was responsible for both the armed robbery in Nobleford and the armed robbery in Shaughnessy.

Currently, the male is being held in custody pending an interim release hearing. The RCMP will provide an update once charges have been sworn. The investigation remains ongoing.