RCMP General Investigation Section charges male in series of historical robberies

 RCMP have charged a 35 year old man in relation to a series of robberies, including one in Ashmont.

A 12-month investigation into nine different robberies and break and enters that occurred between December 30, 2019 and Jan. 30, 2020 has led to charges against an adult male.

Mitchell Curtis Bitzer (35) is charged with 56 counts including one robbery with a firearm, three assaults with a weapon, four robberies with a weapon, multiple counts of possession of firearms and other weapons as well as several break and enters, theft and breach charges. These charges stem from a spree of robberies and break and enters committed in the towns of Devon, Ashmont, Alberta Beach, Andrew, Thorhild, Blue Ridge and Fort Assiniboine. In several of these robberies the victims were working alone at rural stores or hotels and were bear sprayed by the suspect during the robberies.

The local RCMP detachments utilized the RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) to coordinate the complex investigation into all the occurrences, and as a result linked the suspect responsible. The investigation entailed search warrants, production orders, forensics and statements from over a dozen victims and witnesses.

Bitzer was already custody on other matters when he was charged. He remains in custody and his matter has been set over to Dec. 17, 2020 in Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court to speak to bail. No other suspects are being sought in relation to the above incidents.