On October 14, 2008 at 0118 hrs, RCMP received a complaint from an individual who called to report that an unknown person on quad (racing type) threw something on fire into the store at North Tags. Unknown person last seen travelling eastbound on 13th avenue. Unknown person (possibly male wearing helmet) on loud quad (racing type, very loud) fled scene. Witness advised that store is engulfed in flames. Store appeared to be closed.
0122 hrs.
RCMP immediately attended location no sign of quad. Edson fire dispatched and en route. RCMP observed a small 6-8" hole through glass to the west of main entry doors. Flames/smoke inside building exiting through hole. Fire appeared to be contained to front area of store. Within minutes, entire building was engulfed in flames. Edson fire attended and working on extinguishing fire. No person/s inside.
At approx 0110 hrs witness heard a loud quad enter the Tags parking lot from 13th avenue and park the quad behind the store near the south wall.
After 2 minutes, witness observed the quad drive north bound, performed U-turn in the parking lot before parking the quad between the west wall and the white fuel tanks facing south. The quad continued to idle.
Witness observed the quad as being a dark colored racing quad possibly a Honda and was very loud like the baffles had been removed or it had custom exhaust.
The rider appeared to be male, 5'5" tall, wearing a helmet, slim, blue jeans, grayish long-sleeve sweat shirt.
The witnessed saw the suspect get off the quad and walk towards the front doors of the store. Once around the corner, witness lost eye contact with the suspect
Once the male walked around the corner out of witness sight, witness observed the suspect carrying something white in his hand.
Witness then heard a crash of a broken window.
Witness thought that the suspect was breaking into the store and called 911.
Witness then heard the quad immediately fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed by driving around the south side of the store before travelling eastbound, either through the alleyway to the south of 13th avenue or on 13th avenue.
Moment's later witness saw the reflection of orange flames glowing off the Esso sign over the pumps.
Witness then realized that the suspect probably lit something on fire and threw it through the window causing a fire to break out from inside the store.
Witness did not recognize the quad or the lone rider.
Witness did not observe a plate on the quad nor was witness able to determine the colour or make.
The quad was never shut off during the incident.
The total time of the incident was 5-10 minutes.
Witness estimates that the time of the incident was 0110-0115 hrs.
The witness observed the suspect carrying something white in his hand, possibly part of a flammable cocktail of some type.
0236 hrs.
Tow company was contacted to tow various vehicles which were parked behind the store and on the east side.
Business owner attended scene and stated to RCMP that it is likely a total loss. Preliminary estimates according to business owner are approximately 1.4 million dollars.
RCMP observed new wooden roof of building collapse inward. It appears that nothing on the buildings' interior could be saved. Fire Chief advised RCMP that building is too unstable to enter. RCMP attempted to seek evidence from the main entry doors and adjacent windows without entering building. Search was negative.
Edson Fire Chief advised that there are many hotspots inside and unable to extinguish. Fire Chief requires the use of a backhoe to cut 10 foot hole in the south wall to discover and extinguish same.
0612 hrs.
Backhoe arrived and began demolition of south wall.
It is in the opinion of the RCMP that structure fire was caused by arson. Based on statement of witness and RCMP's' observations of the scene upon arrival.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THIS CASE, CONTACT CRIME STOPPERS ANONYMOUSLY WITH INFORMATION BY CALLING 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) OR ONLINE AT WWW.CRIMESTOPPERS.AB.CA .IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON ANY OTHER CRIME, PLEASE CONTACT EDMONTON CRIME STOPPERS AT
1-800-222-TIPS (8477) OR SUBMIT YOUR TIP ONLINE AT WWW.CRIMESTOPPERS.AB.CA .
Loading...
1:03
Robbery at Convenience Store with Weaponby CSAENA636 views
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)