The series included 14 armed robberies at financial institutions in Edmonton, Red Deer, Leduc, Camrose, Sherwood Park, between Jan. 2, 2015 and March 21, 2015. Eight of the armed robberies occurred at financial institutions in Edmonton, one in Red Deer, two each in Leduc and Camrose and one in Sherwood Park.
“This investigation is a prime example of excellent collaborative policing, which resulted in the arrest of an armed and dangerous suspect that was wreaking havoc on financial institutions across central and northern Alberta,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Simon Yum, of the EPS Robbery Section. “Investigators of both law enforcement agencies have been literally working around the clock on this investigation.”
Surveillance video and witness accounts obtained by police provided investigators with a physical suspect and vehicle description. In all of the 14 robberies, the accused is either seen carrying a firearm or admits to having one in his possession. In several of the latter incidents, the accused was also seen disguised in women’s clothing.
On March 13, 2015, Strathcona County RCMP subsequently pulled over a vehicle in that jurisdiction, which matched the robbery suspect’s vehicle description provided to RCMP.
Through intelligence sharing, EPS Robbery Section detectives and Strathcona County RCMP set up surveillance on the suspect, which led to his eventual arrest outside of a Camrose financial institution at approximately noon on Saturday, March 21, 2015. The arrest was made by the Strathcona County RCMP with support from the Camrose Police Service.
“These crimes put the public at considerable risk throughout many different communities in the province," said Superintendent Gary Peck, Officer in Charge of the Strathcona County RCMP. “The ability to work seamlessly with agencies across multiple jurisdictions proved invaluable in preventing further occurrences and potential harm to the public."
Christopher Allan Zubko, 52, is facing 60 armed-robbery related charges laid by both RCMP and EPS investigators, in connection with the series. Additional charges may be pending.
Contact: Supt. Gary Peck, Strathcona County RCMP - 780-467-7741