{"id":804399,"date":"2026-07-15T22:42:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T22:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/804399\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T22:42:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T22:42:15","slug":"two-charged-in-violent-700k-optical-store-robbery-calgary-police","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/804399\/","title":{"rendered":"Two charged in violent $700K optical store robbery: Calgary police"},"content":{"rendered":"

Calgary police have charged two men after a violent daytime optical store robbery where staff were assaulted and tied up.<\/p>\n

Police say the incident began around 11:40 a.m. on July 8, when a man entered Vaskis Optique on 14 Street NW just north of Memorial Drive. <\/p>\n

It is alleged the man pretended to be a customer and asked to see several high\u2011end items before leaving. <\/p>\n

Police say he returned at 1:15 p.m. with a second man who was in disguise. The pair allegedly attacked two employees, restrained them, and tied them up before smashing multiple display cases.<\/p>\n

The suspects fled with bags filled with $700,000 worth of luxury eyewear. Police estimate the damage at the store was roughly $14,000.<\/p>\n

An off\u2011duty officer later saw the men ditching clothing in a dumpster and running west carrying bags.<\/p>\n

Investigators reviewed security footage and took in witness accounts, linking the same two suspects to a separate break\u2011and\u2011enter on Saturday in the community of Forest Lawn. <\/p>\n

Both men were arrested on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Matthew John Woodson, 39, of Strathmore, is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement and intimidation. Cyle Sebastian Franklin, 32, of Calgary, is charged with robbery, unlawful confinement and disguise with intent.<\/p>\n

Both are expected to appear in court next month.<\/p>\n

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403\u2011266\u20111234 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.<\/p>\n

\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n

Add CityNews Calgary as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n

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