Charges laid in series of rural armed robberies

Two suspects in masked and armed robberies in rural Alberta have been arrested and charged by Three Hills RCMP.

Southern and central Alberta RCMP have been working together to investigate two armed robberies that occurred earlier this month. The Morrin Hotel Bar was robbed by two masked and armed suspects on Feb. 13, who then fled the bar in a stolen vehicle that was abandoned and set on fire. The suspects stole a small amount of cash.

Before the second robbery, one of the suspects was identified through the investigation conducted by nearby RCMP in Drumheller and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The second incident occurred on Feb. 18, when a hotel in Halkirk was robbed by a suspect who was disguised and appeared to be carrying a shotgun. A second stolen vehicle from Stettler was used to flee the scene and was later recovered in Big Valley with a stolen shotgun inside.

Through their combined efforts, the Drumheller, Hanna, Three Hills, Beiseker, Bashaw, Coronation and Stettler RCMP Detachments — in addition to the Red Deer Police Dog Services — determined the two thefts to be connected and identified both suspects.

The two were arrested in Three Hills on Feb. 19.

Chase Aaron Anderson, 35, is facing 15 charges related to the possession of stolen property in Stettler — which is in connection with the stolen vehicle found in Big Valley — and the robbery in Morrin, which is Drumheller RCMP’S jurisdiction.

Robert Kristopher Paul Foster, 39, of Big Valley is facing 19 charges related to the possession of stolen property in Stettler, the robbery in Morrin and the robbery in Halkirk.

Their court dates are scheduled for March 12 and March 20 in Drumheller, and Foster has an additional date in Coronation on March 18.

Morrin is about 160 kilometres northeast of Calgary, and Halkirk is approximately 115 kilometres northeast of Morrin. Both rural villages are near Three Hills.