On March 6, 2024, at approximately 7:05 pm, Powerview RCMP received a report of a robbery located near a business on Pine Street in Powerview-Pine Falls.
Officers responded and met with a 65-year-old female, from Powerview-Pine Falls, who advised she was walking along a path when she was approached by an unidentified male who physically grabbed her and pushed her to the ground. The victim was not physically injured.
The suspect, who stole her cash and groceries, was described as wearing a dark jacket with light coloured pants. He was last seen running away towards Cedar Street.
Patrols were made in the area, but the suspect was not located.
At 11:50 pm, Powerview RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a business located on Pine Street.
Officers responded and were advised that an unidentified male entered the business, armed with a knife, and demanded cash from the employees. The suspect fled the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
A review of the surveillance video showed the suspect to be wearing a balaclava and dark coloured jacket.
As the suspect was believed to be nearby, the area was contained and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) were contacted to attend.
Police Service Dog Phox, and his handler, tracked the suspect to an address on Cedar Street where a 56-year-old male, who matched the description of the suspect in the surveillance video, was located and arrested.
A Search Warrant was drafted and executed at this residence where officers located and seized evidence linking the suspect to both robberies.
Kevin Franke, 56, from Powerview-Pine Falls was remanded into custody on charges including Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
Powerview RCMP continue to investigate.
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