 | Collaboration between the Edmonton Police Service, the RCMP Stony Plain and Sherwood Park Detachments, the Calgary Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service has led to the arrest of Leonard Richard Collins, 46, who is believed to be responsible for eight bank robberies. | |
Edmonton - November 9, 2012 - A multi-agency effort has resulted in the identification and arrest of a suspect in connection with multiple bank robberies, and two thefts that date as far back as 2009.
Collaboration between the Edmonton Police Service, the RCMP Stony Plain and Sherwood Park Detachments, the Calgary Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service has led to the arrest of Leonard Richard Collins, 46, who is believed to be responsible for eight bank robberies and two thefts at Edmonton drugstores. The robberies took place in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Calgary and Winnipeg.
An initial plea was made by the EPS and CPS to the public in April, but the suspect remained unidentified and at large.
On Oct. 3, the Canadian Bankers Association offered up a reward of up to $10,000 for information that would help police in the arrest and conviction of the suspect, who was known as the “Old Man Winter Bandit.” Police received a number of tips from the public following the appeal in the media. All of these were investigated thoroughly and one led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
Collins has been charged with robbery (x9) and theft under $5,000 (x2) after being arrested in Brandon, Manitoba on Nov. 2. He remains in police custody.
“This was a long and complex investigation. We believe that the arrest of this individual was possible because of an organized effort by the multiple police agencies, and the assistance of the Canadian Bankers Association,” says Staff Sgt. Howard Kunce of the EPS Robbery Section. “We also collectively want to thank the public for their assistance. The information that you provide can help police solve crimes much more quickly.”
The robberies and thefts took place on:
Dec. 21, 2009 bank robbery in Sherwood Park
April 14, 2011 bank robbery in Edmonton
Jan. 15, 2012 theft of money from two drug stores in Edmonton
Jan. 17, 2012 bank robbery in Edmonton
Feb. 8, 2012 bank robbery in Edmonton
Feb. 23, 2012 bank robbery in Spruce Grove
March 20, 2012 bank robbery in Winnipeg
April 2, 2012 bank robbery in Calgary
May 10, 2012 bank robbery in Calgary
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