Suspect charged after High River convenience store worker attacked with bear spray

Surveillance images of a suspect wearing an N-95-style face mask during a July 12 armed robbery of a Circle K in High River (RCMP)

Calgary — A 19-year-old man faces several charges in connection with an armed robbery in High River in July.

In the late evening hours of July 12, a masked man entered the Circle K store in the 600 block of Fifth Street S.E. holding what appeared to be a firearm. The man allegedly threatened the clerk with the weapon and proceeded to  demand cash and cigarettes.

During the ordeal, the employee was allegedly struck with the firearm, kicked and had bear spray discharged in their face.

The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise. The worker received medical treatment from EMS for their injuries.

RCMP officials confirm Elijah Hamilton has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery. The charges against the 19-year-old include:

Hamilton has been released from custody ahead of his Aug. 21 appearance in Okotoks provincial court.