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RCMP not saying whether they are linked

Armed robberies in Blackfalds, Eckville, Red Deer under investigation

May 27, 2026 | 2:31 PM

RCMP are not saying a handful of armed robberies around central Alberta are linked, but they’re also not saying that they aren’t.

First, Mounties previously reported an incident that was said to have occurred on April 18 at the Blackfalds Motor Inn.

As reported, the incident occurred around 11 a.m. Investigation revealed a male wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses carrying what appeared to be a handgun and bear spray entered the bar and stole cash. The suspect was last seen crossing East Avenue and Park Street.

The suspect is described as:

  • Older male
  • Fair complexion
  • Wearing a unique grey hoodie with the writing ‘New York’ and the number ‘7’
April 18, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Blackfalds Motor Inn.
April 18, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Blackfalds Motor Inn.

Now this week, Sylvan Lake detachment says members responded to a robbery at the Eckville Hotel bar around noon on May 9.

It’s said a male entered the bar shortly after opening at noon, then pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money. The money was placed in a blue Walmart bag. The suspect then damaged the bar’s landline phone and left the business out the west door onto 50 Street. No one was injured.

The suspect is described as:

  • Medium complexion
  • 5 foot 9 to 6 feet tall and about 170 pounds
  • Was wearing a black hoody, black sweatpants, and black shoes  
May 9, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Eckville Hotel.
May 9, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Eckville Hotel.

Blackfalds RCMP also shared this week that they are looking into a second armed robbery at the Blackfalds Motor Inn — the same location as the alleged robbery on April 18.

In that incident, it was about 11 a.m. when a male suspect entered the Sidetraxx Pub at the inn, allegedly carrying a handgun and bear spray.

Police say he pointed the gun at staff and robbed them before fleeing on foot.

The suspect discharged the bear spray when pursued outside by staff and was last seen crossing East Avenue westbound. The suspect wore sunglasses, gloves, a black face mask, black shoes, a dark grey hoodie, and grey sweatpants. The hoodie and sweatpants were worn inside out. He used a black reusable Co-op grocery bag to carry the stolen money. 

May 10, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Blackfalds Motor Inn.
May 10, 2026, alleged armed robbery at Blackfalds Motor Inn.

Meanwhile, Red Deer RCMP are investigating this robbery from May 25 at the East Hill shopping centre.

Police say they responded to the shopping centre in Red Deer on May 25 at 12:02 a.m. following a 911 call reporting the robbery.

After attending the call, the RCMP determined that a man wearing a medical mask entered a liquor store with a gun and demanded money from a worker. The man then fled on foot with cash and liquor.

He is described as wearing a grey zip-up sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, and black shoes.

May 25, 2026, alleged armed robbery at East Hill shopping centre business in Red Deer.
May 25, 2026, alleged armed robbery at East Hill shopping centre business in Red Deer.

If you have any information about these crimes, contact the Sylvan Lake (403-887-3333), Blackfalds (403-885-3333) or Red Deer RCMP (403-406-2200) detachments. 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).