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Police investigating robbery at Union saloon

Athabasca RCMP are investigating the broad daylight robbery of the Grand River Saloon, where a man allegedly tried to intervene and was threatened with bear spray. According to an RCMP press release, police responded to the incident at 4:04 p.m.
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Athabasca RCMP responded to a robbery at the Grand River Saloon Feb. 11 at 4:04 p.m. Police say they are still looking for witnesses to come forward.

Athabasca RCMP are investigating the broad daylight robbery of the Grand River Saloon, where a man allegedly tried to intervene and was threatened with bear spray.

According to an RCMP press release, police responded to the incident at 4:04 p.m. at the corner of 50th Street and 50th Avenue in town. The release states it is believed that a lone male suspect wearing what is believed to be blue coveralls, a balaclava and sunglasses entered the bar and demanded cash from the bartender.

RCMP Cpl. Dale Bereza said in an interview there were patrons in the bar — which is connected to the Grand Union Hotel  — at the time of the robbery.

"One person did try to intervene," Bereza said. "But according to the camera, it looked like the suspect pointed bear spray at the person and threatened him. From talking to witnesses, the suspect told him to stay back, and he did."

Bereza said the suspect demanded cash from the bartender.

"It was a large amount of cash, but we will not release the amount at this time," Bereza said. "He then ran out and took off down the alley."

Bereza added that it was also alleged the suspect deployed the bear spray in the air at the time of the incident.

"We can not confirm that he did it at this time," he said. "The suspect might have deployed the spray, but nobody has come forward to say they actually saw that happen."

He also said this is not the first time a robbery has happened at the premises.

"It has happened before," Bereza said. "But the odd part about this robbery is the timing, for four o'clock in the afternoon is pretty brazen, with lots of people around who can see something. Usually if a person is going to do it, they are usually waiting for a specific time. While it is odd to have an incident like this at that time of day, you just never know."

At this time, Bereza said they are still waiting for more witnesses to come forward.

"That way we put it out there to Crime Stoppers," he said. "We do not have anything as of right now, but we are still investigating and we will continue to do so, talk to some more people and see if anything pops up."

Last year, Athabasca RCMP were seeking public assistance after a shot was heard in a physical altercation in front of the Grand Union Hotel June 22. Witness information states a lone male approached a group of four other men in front of the hotel at approximately 1 a.m., according to an RCMP press release issued the same day.

“A physical altercation broke out. The lone male was able to break free of the altercation, and someone was overheard stating ‘I’m going to shoot you.’ A moment later, a shot was heard,” the June 22 press release said.

In April last year, a 24-year-old man was sentenced to nine days in jail after he was arrested at the Grand Union Hotel with a pellet gun and brass knuckles. Athabasca RCMP had arrested him after responding to an incident at the hotel Feb. 15, 2018.

Bereza said anyone who has any information about the Feb. 11 robbery can contact the Athabasca RCMP detachment at 780-675-5122 or their local police detachment.

He added if they wish to remain anonymous, they can also contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.P3Tips.com.

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