Robbery suspect makes appearance

MAN ONE OF FOUR FROM CALGARY CHARGED IN ROBBERY OF BELL STORE

One of four people charged in relation to a robbery at a Lethbridge Bell store in June was back in court on Wednesday, but had his bail hearing adjourned again until July 30.

Ruach Bang, 20, made a brief appearance in Lethbridge provincial court by closedcircuit television from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, where he has been incarcerated since June on charges of robbery, failing to stop for police and breaching court orders. The accused was previously charged for robbery and other charges in Calgary and Strathmore.

Bang, of Calgary, and three teenage boys, who can’t be identified, were arrested following the daylight robbery of the Bell store in the 3700 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South on June 7. A man and woman, both employees, were placed in headlocks, dragged to the back of the store and forced to open a safe. The two employees sustained minor injuries and were treated by EMS at the scene.

Police reported four individuals stole dozens of high-end cellphones, then fled in a vehicle, which RCMP later spotted on Highway 519 east of Granum. The driver refused to stop for police, however, and a spike belt was deployed. The driver and his passengers were arrested, and during a search of the vehicle police found 73 new cellphones.

A 16-year-old Calgary boy is charged with robbery, disguised with intent, and two counts of breach of a recognizance stemming from similar robberies in Calgary. A second 16-year-old boy and a 17year-old boy, both of Calgary, are also charged with robbery.

- With files from Delon Shurtz