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VIDEO: Police charge suspected police impersonator

Okotoks RCMP have laid charges against the man arrested following the Nov. 19 robbery of a rural residence, including robbery with a firearm.

Okotoks RCMP have laid charges against an Edmonton man, who was arrested following the Nov. 19 robbery of a rural residence.

Police were called to the property around 11:28 a.m. on Nov. 19 following a call of a robbery.

In a press conference on Nov. 21, Okotoks RCMP Cpl. Korey Crerar said police responded to a home invasion in the northern portion of Foothills County.

"The report was a lone male allegedly entered the home with a firearm," said Crerar. "Once inside the home, made some demands of the homeowners."

He said the suspect allegedly forcibly confined the homeowners.

Crerar added that the suspect was attempting to present himself as a peace officer.

"The allegation is that the suspect discharged a single round from a firearm," said Crerar. "We have not confirmed whether or not it was a blank round that was discharged inside the home."

When the man departed, the homeowners then called 9-1-1 and gave a description of the suspect to police, who responded soon after.

Crerar said that when they stopped a vehicle matching the description of the suspect's, a Chevrolet Silverado, they took one male into custody.

Armin Babic, 37, of Edmonton is now facing numerous charges, including:

  • robbery with a firearm
  • two counts of impersonation of a peace officer using an article, uniform or equipment
  • two counts of forcible confinement
  • using a firearm in the commission of an offence
  • break and enter with intent to steal a firearm
  • pointing a firearm
  • two counts of theft over $5,000
  • theft under $5,000

Okotoks detachment was assisted by the RCMP's Forensic Identification Section in examining the scene.

According to a press release sent out on Nov. 21, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle driven by Babic and Mounties seized several items that had been reported stolen during the robbery, including a large sum of US currency, jewelry, and a firearm.

Items allegedly related to the offence, including a firearm, a police-style ballistic vest, and other evidentiary items were also seized.

“We’re glad that this property owner called us and allowed us to manage what could have been a dangerous interaction with the suspect," Cpl. Crerar said in the press release.

“It’s a great outcome to be able recover the guns and to return belongings to the home owner. As always, the RCMP is committed to the safety of rural Albertans.”

A judicial interim release hearing has been held and Armin Babic was remanded into custody and will be appearing on Friday, Dec. 6 via CCTV in Okotoks Provincial Court.

The RCMP is assuring the public there is no further risk in relation to this incident.

Originally published 11/19/2019 4:18 PM, updated 11/21/2019 10:14 AM, and 11/21/2019 3:41 PM

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