Bell store robbery suspect headed to trial

One of four people charged in relation to a robbery at a Lethbridge Bell store earlier this year is going to trial on some of his charges, while he hopes to resolve others without a trial.

Ruach Bang of Calgary has pleaded not guilty to single counts of theft under $5,000 and breaching court orders, and a trial for those charges may be scheduled when his matter returns to court Dec. 12. Additional breach charges, as well as charges of robbery and flight from a peace officer, have been adjourned to the same day.

The accused’s lawyer, Robin McIntyre of Calgary, was in Lethbridge provincial court Monday where she explained she and the Crown are still working to resolve the robbery and flight charges. However, she said she must still talk to her client to get specific instructions.

McIntyre told court the trial on the other charges will likely only take two hours, and will address the issue of identity and whether photos from video surveillance can identify the accused.

Bang, 20, and three teenage boys, who can’t be identified, were arrested following the June 7, daylight robbery of the Bell store in the 3700 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. Police said 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.

The 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.

Bang was granted bail Nov. 19 following a bail hearing. His mother was named surety for his $2,000 no-cash bail, and, in addition to other conditions, he was placed under house arrest 24 hours a day.

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