The Toyota Venza was located in the area of 149 Avenue and 66 Street at approximately 5 a.m. this morning (Jan. 30, 2014). The vehicle has been seized for forensic testing.
West Division detectives continue to investigate and are asking the public to call 911 if they see the suspect or have any information about his whereabouts. The suspect should not be approached as he is considered armed and dangerous.
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.
Anyone with information 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.
Background:
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.