UPDATED
Leduc RCMP spokesperson Cst. Bridget Morla stated Mar. 9 by phone the suspect’s name and charges have been released.
Vincent Loyie, 36, has been charged with six offenses, including theft, three counts of armed robbery, flight from police and theft of a motor vehicle.
ORIGINAL STORY
As Leduc residents spent the last few weeks hearing about pharmacy robberies in the city, local RCMP responded to one Mar. 8 and arrested one suspect.
According to Leduc RCMP spokesperson Cst. Bridget Morla, “At approximately 9 a.m. on March 8, 2018, Leduc RCMP responded to an armed robbery that took place at the Leduc Remedy’s Pharmacy located in the City of Leduc.
“The suspect brandished a weapon and demanded prescription drugs. After getting the drugs the male left the store and got into a vehicle parked nearby.”
Morla said RCMP responded very quickly to the call. “RCMP members intercepted the male at 42 Street and Rollyview road,” she stated.
“The suspect failed to comply with the demands of police and fled the scene causing two motor vehicle collisions. No one was injured.
“The suspect was apprehended a short distance away and is facing several charges.”
There has been a rash of armed robberies in Leduc pharmacies, and Morla noted that fact has not been lost on police. “The Leduc RCMP are currently investigating a possible connection between the armed robberies at other pharmacies in Leduc,” she stated.
A 36 year old man is in custody and awaiting charges. His identity has not been released nor his initial court date.
Morla noted police were grateful nearby motorists handled the situation well.
“RCMP would like to thank the general public for their patience this morning, interrupting their normal routine and traffic commute,” she added.