“EPS Robbery Section members, working in conjunction with the RCMP, have successfully concluded a protracted and complicated investigation into a series of violent, armed robberies from across Edmonton and St. Albert. We hope these arrests will provide some closure and comfort to the multiple victims impacted,” stated Det. Rae Gerrard, of the EPS Robbery Section.
The series included five violent, armed robberies; four in Edmonton and one in St. Albert involving liquor stores.
The five armed robberies occurred at liquor stores near:
153 Avenue & 97 Street - April 14 & April 18
Ellerslie Road & Rabbit Hill Road - April 23
69 Avenue & 109 Street - April 26
Knottwood Road & 66 Street - April 27
Hebert Road, St. Albert - May 7
Weapons and violence were used indiscriminately in each of the robberies, with cash and alcohol being targeted. Some store clerks and customers were also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, EPS Robbery Section detectives executed two search warrants on an address and vehicle located in northwest Edmonton, in relation to the series. One of the firearms (air pistol) used in the robberies and a variety of stolen property and robbery-related clothing were recovered.
Investigators have since charged Robert Cardinal, 28, and Charmaine Bunn, 28, both of Edmonton, with multiple robbery and weapon-related offences.
“Intelligence sharing between police forces is crucial in solving these multi-jurisdictional events. We appreciate the hard work of all officers and criminal intelligence analysts involved to bring this robbery series investigation to a successful conclusion,” says Sgt. Rob Butz, of the St. Albert RCMP.