Suspect in cellphone robbery remains in custody

One of four people charged in relation to a robbery at a Lethbridge Bell store earlier this year will remain in custody while his lawyer tries to resolve his case without a trial.

Ruach Bang, 20, made a brief appearance Friday in Lethbridge provincial court, where he appeared by closed-circuit television from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre. The accused, who has been in custody since his arrest in June, is charged with robbery, failing to stop for police and breaching court orders.

Calgary lawyer Robin McIntyre told court she is having resolution discussions with the Crown prosecutor, and asked that the case be adjourned to Sept. 24.

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. They 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.