Ponoka RCMP are on the lookout for an armed robbery at the Royal Hotel.
The incident took place Jan. 7 at approximately 6:15 p.m. where two men, clad in hoodies and balaclavas entered the lounge of the Royal Motel and robbed the bartender at gunpoint.
A screenshot of the security cameras shows the Royal lounge in plain view with the two men entering.
One male suspect was carrying what appears to be a shotgun, which he then pointed towards at the bartender, while the other suspect brandished a large knife.
Police say the suspects left with an undisclosed amount of money and lottery tickets. They jumped into a Kia Sorrento, which was in the parking lot with an unidentified driver.
The vehicle then sped away, say police, and it was not located immediately, but was located later, abandoned. Investigators determined that the vehicle was stolen from Red Deer.
Neither staff nor patrons were injured during the robbery, say police.
A description of the suspects:
Suspect #1 entered first, and is described as wearing a:
• White hoodie with grey checkered pattern on the shoulders and hood
• White full face balaclava
• White gloves
• Blue camouflage pants
• Dark or black running shoes
• Light coloured (possibly white, with spray paint) sawed off shot gun (barrel and stock) with a black sling
• Appeared to be Caucasian, approximately 6’2” and weighing 220 to 240 pounds
Suspect #2 entered the building second, and is described as wearing:
• Grey hoodie
• Half face balaclava
• Light blue jeans
• Black bag (satchel style) on right
• Tan work boots with black toe
• Approximately 5’8”, average build
• He had a knife with shiny silver blade held in right hand
Suspect #3: vehicle driver – no description available
The Ponoka RCMP continue to investigate. If you have information about this investigation, please call the Ponoka RCMP at 403-783-4472 or call your local police detachment. 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.