“We were able to arrest the suspect within 30 minutes of the incident because of the quick reporting by the victim, and the assistance of numerous witnesses,” says Det. Eric Wilde with the EPS Northeast Division Criminal Investigation Section. “Neighbours and strangers all responded to the man’s cries for help, and helped provide police with a very good suspect description and direction of travel. The EPS would like to thank all of these individuals for their efforts and helping us to arrest and charge the suspect.”
Police responded to a report of an assault and robbery that took place at a residence in the area of 122 Street and 136 Avenue at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. It was reported that a 77-year-old male was in his rear detached garage running his car with the door open when he noticed an adult male walking in the alley. The elderly male was then allegedly jumped from behind, assaulted and robbed. The male cried out for help, and his wife and neighbours came to his assistance and called police. Pedestrians walking nearby became aware of the incident and saw the suspect fleeing north towards the grocery store.
Numerous EPS Patrol units and Canine unit responded to the area and set up a perimeter, and were able to determine that the suspect had entered the grocery store at 123 Street and 137 Avenue. Inside the store, police arrested the suspect and were able to recover contents of the elderly man’s wallet.
EMS responded to the elderly man’s residence, and treated and transported the male to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The EPS Victim Services unit and Elder Abuse unit will be following up with the senior to assist with his recovery.
Darcy Loyie, 29, has been charged with break and enter and commit aggravated assault, break and enter and commit robbery, possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen credit card, use or traffic a stolen credit card, and fraud. The accused is currently remanded.