Two men charged in violent $700K optical store robbery that saw staff tied up, attacked

Calgary police have charged two men after a violent daytime optical store robbery where staff were assaulted and tied up. 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. It is alleged the man pretended to be a [...]

Two men charged in violent $700K optical store robbery that saw staff tied up, attacked Posted Jul 15, 2026 4:26 pm. Calgary police have charged two men after a violent daytime optical store robbery where staff were assaulted and tied up. 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.

It is alleged the man pretended to be a customer and asked to see several high‐end items before leaving. 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.

The suspects fled with bags filled with $700,000 worth of luxury eyewear. Police estimate the damage at the store was roughly $14,000. An off‐duty officer later saw the men ditching clothing in a dumpster and running west carrying bags.

Investigators reviewed security footage and took in witness accounts, linking the same two suspects to a separate break‐and‐enter on Saturday in the community of Forest Lawn. Both men were arrested on Sunday. 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. Both are expected to appear in court next month. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 403‐266‐1234 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.