Armed robbers at large

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

On Feb. 13, Wheatland Inn Manager Paul Gill quickly stepped out of his office to run a few errands; all the time it took for three disguised individuals to pull off their heist by entering Branders Lounge, producing a weapon, and walking away with a couple thousand dollars.
Security camera footage showed the culprits entering the Wheatland Inn establishment around 6 p.m. with their faces covered by masks. The individuals continued to approach the Legends restaurant but turned around when noticing the large number of people and families, Gill suspects. Upon changing their direction, the three noticed the Branders Lounge, where they proceeded to present what appeared to be gun, demand the staff to provide access to the backroom, and request the safe to be opened. With roughly 15 staff members working that night, Gill is concerned about the safety of his employees.
“She said she doesn’t have the key, but they kept saying open the safe, and she said she can’t,” Gill said. “I feel horrible for our staff, and I worry about them, so I want them to be as safe as possible. I’m just glad there was no one hurt.”
The establishment had faced similar accounts in the past, and with VLT machines on site, have safety policies and procedures in place. Nonetheless, Gill estimated the suspects managed to take off with a couple thousand dollars. While held at gunpoint, the Saturday night incident was surreal for bartender Cheryl Graig, who’s worked at the lounge for 12 years.
“They came in and they had the masks on, and all I was thinking was ‘is this Halloween?’” Craig said. “I thought someday this is going to happen to me because I’ve been here too long and times are desperate now. You don’t know why this happens. I hope they get caught that’s all I want, because I don’t want anyone else to go through it.”
Craig was demanded to open the backroom door where the culprits started grabbing money stuffed in glasses, causing some to fall and shatter. After they were unable to get access to the safe, they left the premises.
According to RCMP, the culprits fled the scene in a blue SUV.
One of the suspects is described as having a slim build, approximately 5’8” tall, with a grey hooded sweater and a distinctive brimmed dark hat. His accomplice had a smaller build, same height, possibly a female and wearing a dark blue zip-up hooded sweater and black hat.
The third individual involved in the crime, was heavy build, approximately 5’10” tall, and wore a dark three-quarter length coat and white T-shirt.
“We were really busy that night, and once something like this happens it becomes a ghost town after that, especially with cop cars,” Gill said. “I’m glad community-wise people rally for stuff like this. We had a lot of customers show support, and it’s been really nice in that sense.”
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3698, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A report can also be left online at www.tipsubmit.com.