Cops seek tips on Odell Park robbery
Southside police operation Wednesday stemmed from purse-snatching, search for suspect
Editor’s note: The initial version of this story incorrectly reported the days of the week of the incident and followup police communication. We regret the error.
A police operation that saw Odell Park closed to the public Wednesday afternoon arose from a purse-snatching and subsequent search for the suspect, the Fredericton Police Force reports.
The city police force issued advisories through social media Wednesday afternoon about a significant police presence at Odell Park, on the capital’s south side.
Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, It said it was conducting an operation and asked people to avoid the park. The force reopened the park to the public about a half hour later, though officers remained on the scene.
In a followup release Thursday, the force said the officer deployment was in response to a report of an assault and robbery.
“At approximately 12:15 p.m. [Wednesday], police responded to a report of an assault where the victim’s purse was stolen, and the suspect fled on foot,” it said.
“The victim sustained minor physical injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.”
The RCMP’s police-dog unit was called in, the force reported, and Fredericton’s drone unit was brought in to aid with the search as well.
The suspect wasn’t located, and the city police force is now turning to the public for information that could lead to him being identified and found.
It said the suspect is a man described as being about 20 years old, 5’5” in height, of possible Hispanic descent “with a unique professional hairstyle.”
“He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with purple trim, and has a distinctive reptile tattoo extending up his neck,” the Wednesday release said.
Anyone who was in or around Odell Park at the time or who otherwise has information is urged to call the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300.
The force also called on anyone who possibly has doorbell-camera or other video footage from the Shamrock Terrace area or nearby Smythe Street to check recordings and contact police as well.
It also advised that members of the public can now submit any relevant video or photo evidence directly and securely using the force’s community portal. They can do so at this link or by scanning the QR code below.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.
Tipsters can cite police file no. 25-10477.
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