The RCMP are looking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in connection with a series of armed robberies in western Canada since December of last year.

Police are looking for a male suspect they believe is behind eight armed robberies that took place in Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan.

The incidents are as follows:

  • December 1st, 2014 at 2:42 pm at a financial institution in Princeton, B.C.
  • December 9th, 2014 at 4:37 pm at a financial institution in Vernon, B.C.
  • December 19th, 2014 at 4:55 pm at a financial institution in High River, Alberta
  • December 23rd, 2014 at 4:54 pm a financial institution in Merritt, B.C.
  • January 8th, 2015 at 7:16 pm at a financial institution in Swift Current, Saskatchewan
  • January 13th, 2015 at 5:55 pm a financial institution in Lethbridge, Alberta
  • January 16th, 2015 at 3:30 pm at a financial institution in Claresholm, Alberta
  • January 21st, 2015 at 5:55 pm at a financial institution in Aldergrove, B.C.

In all of the incidents, the suspect said he had a firearm and produced it in several of them. He managed to get away from the banks in each incident with an undisclosed amount of money, fleeing on foot.

No one, either customers or employees of the banks, was injured in any of the incidents.

The suspect is described as:

  • Caucasian male
  • between 25 to 35 years old
  • slim build
  • 5'6" to 6' tall
  • unshaven, brown goatee/beard

He was seen wearing a black toque, dark sunglasses, along with dark clothing and gloves.

The RCMP says that local units have been investigating the robberies, but their investigations have only gone so far. "Now, when our branch became involved, we've reviewed the file and we're at a point now where recieved different bits and pieces of information but, unfortunately, they haven't led to the identification of the suspect," says Constable J.P. Michaud, with the RCMP Serious Crimes Branch.

Michaud says that it is extremely important that they find this suspect because of the escalating nature of these types of crimes.

"The employees at those institutions are the victims. It's an event which is extremely traumatic for them. That's an event that they carry home with them, that's an event that they carry at work with them. So, they are the victims. Indirectly, everyone who has money there is a victim as well."

Anyone with information about the robberies or information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact RCMP at the tip line at 1-844-887-6287 or the Lethbridge Regional Police Service.

Members of the public who happen to see the suspect in their communities are being asked not to approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous. They should contact police immediately instead.

"The fact that he has a weapon, you have to accept that there is a likelihood that it will be used, so that's why we're asking the public to be very careful, not to approach that individual and instead call our tip line."