'Odd request': Suspect asked woman for chili powder after Lethbridge kidnapping, robbery
Police are releasing more details about the kidnapping and robbery of a senior in Lethbridge, which included a strange request for spices, in hopes of identifying a suspect.
On April 23, 2023, a 72-year-old woman reported that a man had identified himself as a police officer and then forced his way into her home in the 2000 block of South Parkside Drive South.
The suspect forced the woman to the ground and used one of her scarves to blindfold her, before demanding cash, according to a Tuesday news release.
When she was unable to provide cash, he took bank cards from her wallet and forced her to drive them to the bank. The suspect sat in the back seat and tilted the rearview mirror to hide his identity.
After withdrawing cash from the ATB Financial in the 600 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South, they returned to the woman’s home, police said.
The woman was not harmed, but the man threatened to hurt her or her family if she called police.
Before leaving, police said the suspect made an “odd request,” asking the woman for paprika and then chili powder, which she gave him.
“While it remains unknown why the male wanted the spice powder, it was found sprinkled along the driveway,” Lethbridge police said.
The suspect is described as a man in his late 20s or 30s, approximately 5’9” tall (175 centimetres), with an average or muscular build.
He was wearing all-black clothing, gloves and a face covering.
Anyone with information about this incident, “no matter how insignificant it may seem,” is asked to contact police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 23008867.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP
A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.