LAKELAND - A 12-month investigation into nine different robberies and break and enters across the province has resulted in charges against an adult man.
The break-ins happened between Dec. 30, 2019 and Jan. 30, 2020, and included a robbery in Ashmont.
Mitchell Curtis Bitzer, 35, is being charged with 56 counts, including one robbery with a firearm, three assaults with a weapon, four robberies with a weapon, multiple counts of possession of firearms and other weapons as well as several break and enters, theft and breach charges.
"These charges stem from a spree of robberies and break and enters committed in the towns of Devon, Ashmont, Alberta Beach, Andrew, Thorhild, Blue Ridge and Fort Assiniboine," according to RCMP. "In several of these robberies the victims were working alone at rural stores or hotels and were bear sprayed by the suspect during the robberies."
RCMP detachments used the RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) to coordinate the complex investigation, and as a result linked the suspect responsible.
"The investigation entailed search warrants, production orders, forensics and statements from over a dozen victims and witnesses," according to RCMP.
Bitzer was already custody on other matters when he was charged. He remains in custody and his matter has been set over to Dec. 17 in Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court to speak to bail.
No other suspects are being sought in relation to the above incidents.
