Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Four men have been charged in connection with a planned and violent armed robbery at a southeast Calgary pub earlier this year, following an extensive investigation involving multiple stolen vehicles, surveillance footage, and coordinated efforts by several law enforcement agencies.
According to Calgary Police Service, the investigation began on May 11, 2026, when two suspects allegedly smashed the window of a Toyota Tacoma parked at Nose Hill Park in northwest Calgary and stole a purse containing identification, credit cards, and a key for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The suspects reportedly fled the scene in a stolen red Ford F-150.
Approximately five hours later, the stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee was taken from outside the victim’s residence in Mayland Heights. Surveillance footage showed the stolen F-150 and Jeep travelling together after the theft. Around midnight on May 12, 2026, three suspects allegedly arrived at Chicago’s Pub in southeast Calgary in the stolen Jeep. Police said two suspects entered the pub, including one armed with a shotgun, and demanded cash. During the robbery, a patron was struck in the face with the firearm, resulting in serious injuries.
The suspects fled in the stolen Jeep, which was later found abandoned and burned in an alley near 40 Street S.E. Two days later, the stolen F-150 was involved in a single-vehicle collision in Edmonton and abandoned. Investigators also linked the truck to another vehicle-related theft earlier the same day.
Following extensive CCTV review and investigative work, police identified multiple suspects. On June 11, 2026, with assistance from the Drayton Valley RCMP, search warrants were executed at locations in Calgary and Drayton Valley, leading to the identification of a fourth suspect.
Charged in connection with the investigation are:
- Bradley Michal Almas, 27, of Edmonton, charged with disguise with intent, robbery with a firearm, and arson.
- Sean Porter, 44, of Drayton Valley, charged with disguise with intent, robbery with a firearm, and arson.
- Aaron Michael Stelcer, 46, of Calgary, charged with robbery with a firearm and arson.
- Ethan Kyle Lance Byron, 20, of Calgary, charged with robbery with a firearm.
Police said additional charges are pending. The accused are scheduled to appear in court on various dates in July 2026. Investigators thanked the Drayton Valley RCMP, Morinville RCMP, and Edmonton Police Service for their support during the investigation.
