In early November, Southwest CIS detectives began investigating a series of residential, daytime B&Es, which saw two the suspects kick open the front doors of homes to gain entry. The suspects targeted in excess of 20 homes in Edmonton and another 10 in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon and St Albert.
Once inside the suspects predominantly stole jewelry and firearms from residences throughout the series. In the most recent incident on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, the suspects were observed committing a B&E in nearby Devon, where a large quantity of firearms were allegedly stolen.
The suspects were followed until they split up with one going to a residence in Spruce Grove. The first suspect and a 32-year-old female were arrested at that location. The second suspect, a 32-year-old male, was followed and eventually arrested outside a residence in St. Albert, later the same day.
Search warrants were executed at both residences leading to the recovery of a significant amount of suspected stolen property.
Mitchell Andonov, 33, of Spruce Grove, and Michael Howard, 32, of St. Albert, are each facing 32 charges related to break and enter and possession offirearms.
Charges against the 32-year-old female have yet to be sworn before a Justice of the Peace, and therefore EPS isn’t releasing her name at this time.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges are pending. The RCMP detachments in all four of these outlying communities were involved and assisted with the successful conclusion of this investigation. The EPS is grateful for their assistance.