Four individuals have been arrested following a violent armed robbery at a pub in southeast Calgary two months ago, after a multi-jurisdictional investigation that also involved vehicle thefts.
Armed robbery at Chicago's Pub
On May 12 at 12:30 a.m., three suspects drove a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee to Chicago's Pub in the 4200 block of 17 Avenue S.E. in Forest Lawn. Two suspects, one armed with a shotgun, entered the pub and demanded cash. During the robbery, a patron was struck in the face with the shotgun, causing serious injuries, according to the Calgary Police Service.
The suspects fled in the stolen Jeep, which was later found set on fire in Forest Heights, behind 1336 40th Street S.E.
Chain of events leading to the robbery
The incident began earlier on May 11 at 6:30 p.m., when two men smashed the window of a Toyota Tacoma parked at Nose Hill Park, in the 6400 block of 14th Street N.W. They stole a purse containing identification, credit cards, and a key for a Jeep Grand Cherokee, then fled in a stolen red Ford F150.
About five hours later, at 11:30 p.m., the Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from outside the car-prowling victim's home in Mayland Heights. CCTV showed the stolen Ford F150 leaving the scene in tandem with the Jeep.
Investigation and arrests
Through CCTV from multiple scenes and investigative inquiries, officers identified three suspects. On June 11, with assistance from Drayton Valley RCMP, search warrants were executed on a residence in Calgary's Penbrooke Meadows neighbourhood and two residences in Drayton Valley. A fourth suspect was identified during the warrants.
Bradley Michal Almas, 27, from Edmonton, and Sean Porter, 44, from Drayton Valley, are charged with disguise with intent, robbery with a firearm, and arson. Aaron Michael Stelcer, 46, of Calgary, is charged with robbery with a firearm and arson. Ethan Kyle Lance Byron, 20, also of Calgary, is charged with robbery with a firearm. Additional charges are pending.
Almas and Porter are scheduled to appear in court on July 22, while Byron appears on July 13. Police thanked Drayton Valley RCMP, Morinville RCMP, and Edmonton Police Service for their assistance.
