Crime Stoppers recreates liquor store robbery

Hammer in hand, the suspect yelled at the clerk. “Give me all your money!” He took the cash and ran out the door.

That’s when the director yelled. “Cut!”

Crime Stoppers was in Ponoka Feb. 8 to recreate the Liquor Town robbery last November. A suspect took a quantity of vodka and demanded cash from the till.

Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm contacted Crime Stoppers to help generate leads to the case.

“It’s part of the investigative process, we involve Crime Stoppers when possible,” he explained.

Director of photography Loris Mattiello worked closely with Mounties to plan the robbery in a short but effective manner. Const. Adam Al-Kadri played the part of the suspect; his challenge was to carry the hammer, liquor and cash and still look convincing for the camera.

After some discussion on where to hide the weapon, Al-Kadri made his way through the store, grabbed the vodka, demanded the money and sprinted out of the store. The camera crew had placed a few signs outside informing passersby of the re-enactment, otherwise there might have been a few extra phone calls to police.

Liquor Town manager Adrienne Bailey said they have updated their security cameras because of the robbery and she hoped information from the video would give some insight into the case.

“It’s been a learning experience, and if the word gets out it might be helpful,” she offered.

Almost a subliminal message, the composite drawing of the suspect was displayed around the store during filming.

Const. Jason Woodland played the clerk and he showed eagerness rather than anxiety in the role.

“It’s nice working with Crime Stoppers to help possibly generate leads to this investigation,” he stated.

Perhaps the most nervous of the group was Al-Kadri who had to take an aggressive stance as the robber. His role was multi-faceted; to steal bottles of liquor, handle the weapon, grab the cash, and then dash. After several run-throughs, the re-enactment began and Al-Kadri had to do the ‘act’ several times until Mattiello felt they had a good copy.

“Playing the part was nerve-racking, but anything we can do to help, it’s what we’re here for,” Al-Kadri explained.

The re-enactment will air on Global Edmonton beginning April 9 for a few weeks. For exact air times see the website at: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/.