by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 26/97) -RCMP have charged a Yellowknife man with two counts of armed robbery in connection with two business hold-ups four years ago.

The Range Lake Gas Bar (Payless Gas) was held up on Dec. 16, 1992, and the Katimavik Gas Bar (formerly located at 52nd Avenue and 54th Street) was robbed on March 16, 1993.

But until last week, police didn't have enough evidence to charge the 23-year-old suspect, said Staff Sgt. Dave Grundy.

The man has been a suspect in the robberies since the investigations began four years ago, but Grundy said police are still investigating other suspects who may have been involved.

Mounties arrested and charged the suspect following a search of his former city residence, where they seized two handguns.

In the robberies, a masked suspect carrying a gun entered the gas bars and asked for cash. In the Range Lake robbery, another armed suspect waited outside as a lookout, said Grundy.

The accused faces charges including pointing a firearm, use of a firearm while committing and offence, two counts of wearing a disguise and supplying a restricted weapon to a person without a permit.

Police are continuing to investigate at least four other robberies during the same three-month period.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court March 25.