Thieves targeted the Ashmont Convenience and Liquor Store twice in less than 24 hours between Jan. 3 and 4. The RCMP are looking to the public for information on the incidents.
At 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 3, St. Paul RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Ashmont Convenience Store.
"Investigation revealed that the suspect assaulted the store owner with the use of bear spray," reads the RCMP media release sent out on Jan. 5.
According to the owner of the store, who asked not to be named due to safety reasons, a man allegedly walked into the store, while the owner remained behind the counter.
The man then made a threat with his bear spray and wanted all the money from the till. After the owner emptied the till, he then asked for the rest of the money from the adjacent liquor store, but then assaulted the owner with bear spay before making his escape.
An investigation determined the suspect fled in a blue Ford SUV. Description of the suspect is a Caucasian male between the age of 30 and 35 years old, approximately six feet tall and of heavier build, according to RCMP.
Thieves then targeted the store again less than 24 hours later at 7:25 a.m. the following day.
Two men tried to break into the store through the main entrance before the store opened.
"One suspect stood guard holding what is described as a shotgun while the other gained entry with a sledgehammer. No description was provided of the subjects. They both fled in a burgundy or red Chevrolet pick-up truck," according to RCMP.
During the second incident, the owner says the suspects attempted to enter the store after smashing the door. However, the suspects were deterred after the sound of the alarm and the owner shouting.
“We are very scared, but this does not happen to only us,” said the owner. “Many bad things are happening, many robberies are going around and the government should do something.”
The public's assistance is being sought in identifying the individuals and vehicles involved
"The RCMP believe that these two individuals may be armed and present a danger to the public," reads the media release, referring about the second incident.
If you see them or know the suspects whereabouts, or you locate the vehicle, please contact the St. Paul RCMP at 780-645-8870, or call your local police agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
No further information is available regardint the break-ins at this time, according to RCMP.
