Twelve-year-old boy charged in Calgary cellphone robbery spree

Two youths have been charged following a series of iPhone robberies in the southwest calgary community of Braeside that involved the use of bear spray against victims.

The incidents began in January when a victim, who had posted an online ad to sell her iPhone, arranged to meet a potential buyer on Friday, Jan. 24, in the 11000 block of Braniff Rd. S.W.

When she arrived, she was confronted by two young males who stole her phone and bear sprayed her before fleeing on foot. The victim reported the attack to police.

Two additional robberies occurred on Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan. 26, in the same location. In both cases, victims arrived to sell an iPhone and were met by two young suspects who stole the device and used bear spray before escaping.

Following an investigation, the Calgary Police Service Robbery Unit executed a search warrant on Thursday, Feb. 6, at a residence in Braeside.

Officers seized five cellphones, three cans of bear spray, clothing believed to have been worn during the robberies, a pellet gun, and over $22,000 worth of allegedly stolen new clothing.

As a result, two male youths were charged. A 12-year-old faces three counts of robbery, two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon, and two counts of failure to comply. A 16-year-old faces three counts of robbery and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon.

The accused, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, Feb. 28. The Calgary Police Service’s Youth Services Section has offered support and resources to them.

Anyone with information about these or similar incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.calgarycrimestoppers.org, or via the P3 Tips app.