Victim in violent robbery at mall remains in hospital

Man who tried to stop Southgate mall thief fights for life as police seek suspect

As police continue to search for a male suspect in a violent robbery, friends and strangers alike were praying for the man hospitalized after the Southgate Centre attack.

Police said there were no updates about the 61-year-old’s condition as of Wednesday afternoon. The man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he tried to stop a thief at a nearby kiosk just after 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a Facebook page titled “Pray for Iain Armstrong ” said Armstrong was badly beaten during an attempted robbery at Southgate Centre and that his wife, family and close friends were at his side.

“The Armstrong family covets your prayers tonight and tomorrow and in the coming days and weeks,” the page stated.

The group’s administrator wrote the family has appreciated offers to help and that updates will be posted to the page.

The man was taken to the University of Alberta hospital where he remains, police confirmed Wednesday.

Store employees who did not want to be named said they were taking it day-by-day and directed any questions to police.

A barrier and police tape around the scene had been taken down and stores in the area had reopened Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Edmonton police Insp. Erik Johnson said the mall had good-quality surveillance footage, which will assist in identifying the suspect. Two men were taken into police custody for questioning Tuesday.

Mall general manager Vivian Wagner said Tuesday the mall recently installed a state-of-the-art security system and was co-operating with police.

“It’s a very unfortunate event, and I hope he’s going to be OK,” Wagner said Tuesday of the injured man, who “tried to do the right thing.”

The attack is the latest where a person unknown to an assailant was sent to hospital in life-threatening condition.

On Jan. 25, Nathan Helfrich died in hospital from stab wounds after a robbery at a bus stop west of 82 Street and 118 Avenue just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 24. Helfrich and his twin brother were robbed at knifepoint and when the suspect attempted to take one of the brother’s glasses, the robber lunged forward, stabbing Helfrich in the chest.