Machete used to threaten staff in armed robbery

SASKATOON - A man was arrested following a series of armed robberies yesterday.

At around 1:45 a.m. on April 14, police were called to a business in the 1500 block of 22nd Street West for a report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man had attempted to leave with items that he had not paid for; when confronted, the man threatened staff with a large machete and fled. Officers obtained video evidence from the business and continued to investigate.

Later that evening, around 9 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1700 block of Preston Avenue North following a report of a Loss Prevention Officer being threatened with bear spray while confronting a man attempting to steal from the business. The man fled prior to police arrival; however, officers were again able to obtain video evidence to assist in an investigation.

Approximately 50 minutes later, as officers were continuing their investigation, police were called to another business in the 1700 block of Preston Avenue North for a report of a man matching the suspect’s description attempting to steal. Officers attended to the business within minutes and effected the arrest of the suspect believed to be responsible for all three robberies.

As a result, the 37-year-old man has been charged with robbery, possession of a weapon to commit an offence, unauthorized carry of a concealed weapon, mischief under $5,000, theft under $5,000, and uttering threats.