Calgary police charge two men in optical store robbery worth more than $700,000

Two Calgary men accused of violently stealing more than $700,000 worth of eyewear from an optical store have been charged, said police.

Two Calgary men accused of violently stealing more than $700,000 worth of eyewear from an optical store have been arrested, according to Calgary police. The incident began the morning of July 8, when one of the suspects entered Vaskis Optique at 4 14 St. N.W. at approximately 11:40 a.m. Police believe the man was posing as a customer, asking an employee to show him high-end items before leaving the store without a purchase.

Police say the same man returned to the store later that day, at around 1:15 p.m., with another man who was “disguised.” The two suspects attacked two employees and broke glass display cases before leaving with more than $700,000 worth of eyewear and causing $14,000 in damages. An off-duty police officer, however, saw the suspects removing their clothes in a nearby dumpster before they running with bags.

Calgary police later used CCTV footage and witness statements to confirm the identities of the suspects, who had also been involved in an unrelated break-and-enter incident on July 11, between 6 p.m. and 10:50 p.m., in the 1100 block of 44th Street S.E. The suspects were arrested on July 12. Matthew John Woodson, 39, of Strathmore, was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of intimidation.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Aug. 6. Cyle Sebastian Franklin, 32, of Calgary, was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of unlawful confinement and one count of disguise with intent. He is due to appear in court on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

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