Drumheller RCMP have one man in custody and are searching for a second after witnesses at Yavis Family Restaurant stopped and restrained one of the alleged culprits in an attempted robbery.
Police were on scene shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday, October 18, at the restaurant in downtown Drumheller. It is alleged that two men entered the restaurant wearing disguises. One of the men brandished a weapon in an attempt to rob the business. One of the employees of the restaurant was assaulted.
The culprits were not successful in their robbery attempt, and when they fled on foot, a witness was able to tackle and stop one of the culprits. Bystanders helped to subdue him until police arrived and took him into custody.
Staff Sargeant Ed Bourque says while people did intervene in this case, police caution the public to be safe.
“Obviously, we don’t encourage people to do that, and obviously, if someone is demanding and has a weapon, we don’t encourage people to refuse. But people will do things in the heat of the moment, and thank goodness we didn’t have anyone seriously injured,” said Bourque.
As the charges have yet to be sworn, the person arrested has not been identified.
Police are actively seeking the second suspect. He was wearing a Halloween mask and dark clothing with socks on his hands.
Police are asking anyone with knowledge of this incident to contact the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-2630. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact crime stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
