Local RCMP arrest two men following several armed robberies in central Alberta

The collaborative efforts resulted in police charging two men, including 40-year-old Darryl Boyce of Red Deer and 57-year old Clinton McIntosh of Blackfalds, with a total of 28 charges, with more charges still pending.

Boyce was charged with offences connected to the incident on May 9 in Eckville, including three counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and mischief.

McIntosh was charged in relation to all five incidents, including seven counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, five counts of possession contrary to order, mischief, assault with a weapon causing bodily harm, three counts of disguise with intent, and obstructing a peace officer.

McIntosh was also arrested on a parole-related Canada-wide warrant.

Both men have been remanded for court in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Friday, June 12.

“As crime and offenders know no boundaries, the series of armed robberies and the vigorous investigation resulted with the arrest and charging of both Boyce and McIntosh,” said Sylvan Lake Staff Sergeant Jay Peden.

“What the general public doesn’t see is the behind-the-scenes, intelligence-based investigation, which not only assembled numerous single pieces of evidence and generated the linkage to the five armed robberies. Again, the success of collaborative work of the specialized units, spanning multiple RCMP jurisdictions, clearly demonstrates the RCMP’s commitment and dedication to the safety and security of all Albertans,” added Peden. “I would like to thank the Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds and Red Deer General Investigation Sections, K Division Emergency Response Teams and the General Duty officers who worked hundreds of hours to bring this investigation to a successful close.”

Blackfalds RCMP Corporal Dallas Traill stated that they knew the following incidents were related “fairly early on within the investigation.”

“It was a similar method of operation, so through analytical work we were able to put those pieces of the puzzle together fairly early,” Traill added.

Incident No. 1

The first incident took place on Saturday, April 18, at 10:59 a.m., when Blackfalds RCMP were called to Sidetrax Pub at the Blackfalds Motor Inn for a report of an armed robbery.

Police determined a man had entered the business armed with a gun and bear spray and robbed the bartender of cash before fleeing on foot. The man was not located by police.

Incident No. 2

Meanwhile, on Saturday, May 9, at 12:04 p.m., the Sylvan Lake RCMP attended a robbery at the Eckville hotel bar.

The man allegedly responsible entered the business shortly after it opened where he pointed a handgun at an employee demanding money.

The cash was then put in a Walmart bag, and the suspect damaged the bar’s phone line before taking off.

Incident No. 3

On Sunday, May 10, at 11:05 p.m., Blackfalds RCMP attended a 911 call that reported an armed robbery at the Sidetracks Pub once again.

The man was said to be carrying a handgun and bear spray and allegedly pointed the gun at staff and robbed them.

The man then left the area on foot; however, he was pursued outside by staff, but the man sprayed the employee with bear spray. The suspect was not located at the time.

When it comes to the employee chasing after the suspect, Red Deer RCMP Constable Sandra Geiger said they never want someone to put themselves in danger.

“Doing the right thing, that becomes a personal response. From the RCMP perspective, we don’t want anyone to put themselves in danger by running after someone who you know just came into a business with a weapon and bear spray. Generally, it would be self-protection at that point,” she said.

Incident No. 4

On Sunday, May 25, at 12:02 a.m. Red Deer RCMP responded to a 911 call that reported an armed robbery at a liquor store at the East Hill Shopping Centre.

Police determined that a man, who was wearing a medical mask, had entered the store where he allegedly demanded money from an employee while holding a firearm.

The man then fled on foot with cash and liquor.

Incident No. 5

On Sunday, May 31, at 11:51 a.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to another 911 call at the same liquor store.

The man had allegedly entered the store with a firearm and bear spray and demanded money from an employee. He then fled the business on foot, and no one was injured.

by Ian Gustafson

Local RCMP arrest two men following several armed robberies in central Alberta

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