2 charged after attempted armed robbery in Edmonton apartment building

Edmonton police say two people have been charged after a rifle and ammunition were seized from an apartment earlier in the week.

EPS says around 4:15 a.m. on Monday, officers responded to a weapons complaint near 104 Avenue and 95 Street.

The report indicated that a man and a woman had snuck into the apartment complex and followed another man into an elevator, where they then tried to rob him before trying to follow him to his apartment.

Officers attended the scene and began to secure and clear the building, when they found a man and woman matching the description that had been provided earlier.

Both tried to flee officers by running down stairs and tried to leave the building, at which point they were taken into custody.

After both the man and woman were in custody, police searched the area and found a backpack that was believed to have been dropped during the chase. Officers searched the bag and were able to find and seize a loaded rifle, a loaded spare magazine, and nearly 100 additional rounds of ammunition.

“Both suspects put an entire residential building in harm’s way, and we are grateful that we were able to intervene when we did,” says Cst. Kevin Amer with EPS’ Downtown Branch in a statement.

“The amount of ammunition and the type of weapon seized is concerning, especially when one of the suspects already had several warrants for weapon-related offences.” 

Police have since charged 30-year-old Darcy Chykerda with 12 charges relating to firearms, breaching a release order, and possession of ID document.

Additionally, 31-year-old Shayla Lewis has been charged with robbery with a firearm and obstruction.

Both are expected to appear in court on separate dates in September.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.