Following a two and a half month probe, Innisfail RCMP have arrested a Penhold gas station clerk for an alleged on-site theft caper.
Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt said the alleged crime had its origins at about 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 7 when a male offender entered the Centex gas station wearing a mask and went to a cash box where there was money.
The man emptied the cash box and left the store, said Hildebrandt.
He said the female clerk was in the store with security video showing her standing off to the side and not reacting to the crime or suspect.
“There was no overt interaction between the two of them,” said Hildebrandt. “We reviewed video and there were suspicions of the circumstances upon review and as far as we can tell in the video there was no direct communication between the suspect male offender and female clerk. However, he went directly to where he needed to go to get the cash and fled directly as well.”
Hildebrandt said the police investigation continued with RCMP trying to identify the male offender, and Mounties recently receiving information that led them to believe the 30-year-old gas station clerk had knowledge of the crime and was actively involved with it.
“The investigation revealed she was complicit in the execution of the crime and a party to the offence accordingly,” said Hildebrandt.
The 30-year-old woman, a resident of Penhold, has been charged with theft under $5,000 and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence. Police said they are unable to release her name at this time.
The RCMP investigation continues into the identification of the male suspect.
“We have avenues now to explore for that. There is still additional information under investigation,” said Hildebrandt.
If any citizen has information about the crime, Innisfail RCMP are asking him or her to contact the detachment at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
