EPS West Division patrol officers responded to a report of vehicle being stolen from its owner at gunpoint in the area of 170 Street and 99 Avenue at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014. It was reported that a 46-year-old woman was walking with a 7-year-old girl in the parking lot of a retail strip mall when she was approached by an unknown man. The man allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun, and demanded the woman’s purse and car keys. The woman and girl attempted to flee, but the man allegedly threw the woman to the ground and assaulted her. Numerous bystanders intervened, but the man pointed his weapon at them and everyone ran for safety. It was also reported that the unknown man ran towards a bystander’s vehicle that was left running nearby, and threatened the 56-year-old male owner of the vehicle with the gun, before stealing the car and fleeing the scene.
The suspect is described as an Aboriginal or Caucasian male, in his mid-twenties, with short brown hair and mustache with beard or goatee, between 5’8” and 5’10” in height, stocky build, wearing a black jacket with grey hoodie, blue jeans, and white running shoes. He is believed to be in possession of a black handgun.
The stolen vehicle is described as a 2009 Toyota Venza, Alberta licence plate ZGG 418, blue in colour, similar to the photo included in this news release.
EPS West Division officers are actively investigating and coordinating with other EPS units to identify the unknown male and locate the stolen vehicle as soon as possible. Police ask the public to call 911 if they see the suspect in the vehicle, and warn the public not to approach the suspect as he is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding the incident, the suspect, or the location of the vehicle, is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.