Kidnapping still being investigated
Lethbridge Police continue to actively investigate an incident that occurred just over a year ago where a senior citizen was kidnapped from her southside home and robbed.
Over the past year police have pursued numerous avenues of investigation, but to date no charges have been laid. In an effort to generate more tips and new leads, police are sharing previously undisclosed details about the incident and are asking anyone who may have information that could assist investigators to come forward.
On April 23, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a break and enter at a home along the 2000 block of South Parkside Drive South.
A 72-year-old female reported that an unknown male rang her doorbell, identified himself as a police officer and as she proceeded to unlock her door, forced his way inside, knocking her backwards and proceeding to push her to the ground.
She was instructed to stay down and the subject used one of her scarves to blindfold her. The male demanded cash and when none was immediately available, he took her bank cards from her wallet, forced her into her vehicle and made her drive to the bank, sitting in the backseat behind her and tilting the rear view mirror to hide his identity.
A quantity of cash was withdrawn from ATB Financial along the 600 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South and provided to the male. The victim drove back to her home, with the male still inside the vehicle.
The victim was not harmed, but the male threatened to hurt her or her family if she called police. Before leaving, the male made an odd request, asking the victim for paprika and then chili powder, the latter of which she provided. While it remains unknown why the male wanted the spice powder, it was found sprinkled along the driveway.
The male subject is described as approximately 5’9” tall, average or muscular build, in his late 20s or 30s, wearing all black clothing, gloves and a face covering.
Anyone who has any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – in relation to this incident, is asked to call police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 23008867. Anonymous online tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at www.p3tips.com or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 cash for information leading to an arrest and you will not have to attend court or testify. All tipsters remain anonymous.