Jewelry store robbery arrests made
By JEREMY APPEL on February 15, 2020.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel Police have made two arrests in relation to a jewelry store robbery earlier this week. Around 3:24 a.m. Monday, an individual broke into Gold Pro Jewellers on 13th Avenue SE by smashing a window. Once inside, they allegedly stole several rings and earrings with a total value of $39,000. Arrests were made Friday and some of the stolen goods were recovered by the cops. Medicine Hat Police Service Staff Sgt. Chad Holt with major crimes said a “variety of different avenues” led police to the suspects. “There were some witness statements that identified a potential couple of people, and then there’s also some additional information received by police from confidential sources,” Holt said. There was surveillance video, but it wasn’t particularly useful in identifying the suspects, he said. “There was video surveillance footage of the break-in itself, but that was not very helpful because the offender was completely covered. Their face was masked. “But it was useful in identifying the exact time and size and build of the offenders,” said Holt. A 37-year-old Medicine Hat man is facing one charge of possessing stolen property under $5,000 and three counts of breaching his court-imposed release conditions. He also had outstanding arrest warrants unrelated to this investigation. He’s currently in police custody awaiting a Justice of the Peace to determine whether he can be released. Until then, he cannot be named. A 23-year-old Medicine Hat woman is facing one charge of possession of stolen property under $5,000 and also had an unrelated warrant. She has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court March 25.. Neither can be named because the charges haven’t been officially sworn yet. Although the female accused is released, she didn’t need to appear before a JP because her charges weren’t as serious as the male, Holt explained. Charges are to be sworn against her Tuesday. The Major Crime Section is continuing with the investigation and additional charges cold be laid. Additional information will be provided once the investigation concludes. 18-17
