Red Deer RCMP have arrested a male and laid charges following two recent armed robberies.

On Nov. 11, 2023, shortly after 10 p.m., Red Deer RCMP received a 911 call reporting a robbery with a firearm at a gas station in the East Hill area. Police responded immediately, however the male suspect had fled the scene.

A search for the male was conducted, with the assistance of Police Dog Services (PDS). Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) continued the investigation, which revealed a few hundred dollars worth of cash and cigarettes had been taken.

On Nov. 13, 2023, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to another 911 call reporting a robbery with a firearm, at a convenience store in the Anders neighbourhood.

RCMP attended the location immediately. The male suspect had fled the location, after taking product and cash, valued at a few hundred dollars. General duty police, along with PDS, searched for the male suspect, but was unable to locate him.

Red Deer RCMP GIS took over investigation into both of these incidents and determined they were related. Further investigation led police to identify the male suspect.

On Nov. 14, 2023, Red Deer RCMP arrested Lloyd Joanisse, a 40 year-old male resident of Red Deer, in relation to both robberies. Police obtained a search warrant, which led to the recovery of the stolen cigarettes, clothing worn during the robberies, and a weapon. The firearm was determined to be a starter pistol.

Joanisse has been charged with the following nine offences:

  • Robbery with a firearm x2
  • Uttering Threats
  • Using Imitation Firearm in the Commission of an Offence x2
  • Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose x2
  • Wearing a Disguise with Intent to Commit an Offence x2

Following a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Joanisse was remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Nov. 21, 2023. 

Red Deer RCMP are committed to keeping our community safe. Anyone with further information about this, or any other crime, is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200.

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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.