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Vol. 15, No. 20, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 www.LamontLeader.com
ARMED ROBBERY Bruderheim hotel owner opens up about March ordeal
BY JANA SEMENIUK The Bruderheim Victoria Hotel was robbed at gunpoint by two masked intruders on Mar. 15. Owner Alan Dmyterko was alone at the hotel when the robbery occurred. “It was almost 10:00 pm on a Sunday. I was about to lock up then decided to give it a few more minutes,” he said. Dmyterko was wiping down his counter when he heard a commotion. He looked up to find two masked men shouting and charging at him with guns. “At three minutes to 10 they barged in. One had a pistol and one had a rifle. They were shouting as they came run-
ning in for me to get on the ground,” he said. “They wore orange balaclavas and hoodies with long trench coats.” Dmyterko admits that he was angry at first to see he was being robbed. “It kind of takes the wind out of your sails (to be robbed). I felt angry at first and one of the robbers was getting mad at me because I wasn’t getting on the floor like he was wanting me to. I decided to just sit down and let him rob me,” he said. Dmyterko was unsure of the total amount the intruders got away with. “They reached around in the till while I was on the ground. They took all the money that was in the till,” he
Bruderheim Victoria Hotel owner Alan Dmyterko stands in front of his business that was robbed at gunpoint on Mar. 15.
said. Dmyterko added that the bandits also robbed the ATM. “They took pry bars to the ATM and cleaned it out too,” said Dmyterko. “I’m not sure how much they got out of that.” He estimated that the entire robbery took approximately 10 minutes before the criminals ran out the door. “I called 911 as soon as they left. The police were already in the area when I called so they got here very quickly. But they (robbers) were already long gone,” he said. The first suspect is described by police as being a thin, shorter male wearing a three-quarter length raincoat with a black hood and a bright orange balaclava. The second suspect is described as a heavy-set male Caucasian, 5’10” – 5’11” wearing a bright orange balaclava, three-quarter length raincoat, dark boots and dark gloves. The suspect vehicle is described as a white newer model Ford pick up truck. While the investigation is ongoing, the RCMP are still seeking any information that would assist in positively identifying the suspects. The public is cautioned not to approach these individuals as they are considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are asking anyone who may have information regarding this occurrence to contact Fort Saskatchewan RCMP at 780-997-7900 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. RCMP released no details about this crime until this past week.
Missing Lamont woman found safe and sound
This photo of Zelma Chester went viral last week as locals concerned with her safety spread the word on social media. BY JANA SEMENIUK Lamont resident, 89-year-old Zelma Chester, went missing on Apr. 7 and was reunited with her family before the Easter weekend. Police reported Chester, who suffers from health issues, disappeared from her home the afternoon of Apr. 7 in her blue 1994 Mercury Marquis. Her destination was unknown. Police updated their report on Apr 10 that Chester had been located safe and unharmed. The Lamont Leader with the help of social media, spread the news of her disappearance last week. The number of shares and comments indicated the public’s concern for the lady and relief that she was found safe.