Calgary police charge two men in violent $700K optical store robbery
Two suspects tied up and assaulted staff at Vaskis Optique on 14 Street NW before fleeing with luxury eyewear.
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Calgary police have charged two men after a violent daytime robbery at Vaskis Optique on 14 Street NW, just north of Memorial Drive, on July 8.
According to police, one man entered the store around 11:40 a.m., posing as a customer to scout the location. He returned at 1:15 p.m. with a second man in disguise, and the pair attacked two employees, restrained them, and tied them up before smashing display cases and fleeing with bags filled with $700,000 worth of luxury eyewear. The store sustained roughly $14,000 in damage.
An off-duty officer spotted the men ditching clothing in a dumpster and running west with bags. Both were arrested on Sunday after investigators linked them to a separate break-and-enter in Forest Lawn on Saturday.
Matthew John Woodson, 39, of Strathmore, is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement, and intimidation. Cyle Sebastian Franklin, 32, of Calgary, is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement, and disguise with intent. Both are expected to appear in court next month.
The facts
What happened at Vaskis Optique on July 8?
Two men robbed Vaskis Optique on 14 Street NW on July 8, attacking and tying up two employees before stealing $700,000 worth of luxury eyewear and causing $14,000 in damage to the store.
How many men were charged and what are their names?
Matthew John Woodson, 39, of Strathmore, and Cyle Sebastian Franklin, 32, of Calgary, were both charged in connection with the robbery.
What charges does each man face?
Matthew John Woodson is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement, and intimidation. Cyle Sebastian Franklin is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement, and disguise with intent.
