The man nicknamed the “S Bandit” by police has been charged with robbing eight Denver businesses between July and September.
The suspect, Ernie Lee Calbert, 46, is charged with nine counts of aggravated robbery and one count of second-degree kidnapping in connection with eight cases.
Authorities allege that he targeted grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and other retail outlets.
The businesses robbed early in Calbert’s alleged spree had names that began with the letter “S” — including Safeway, Subway, Sinclair and Sally Beauty Supply, according to court documents.
According to the documents, Calbert was arrested after dropping his probation appointment card at the scene of one of the robberies — the Cold Stone Creamery, 7473 E. 29th Place — on Sept. 4.
Calbert allegedly robbed the store of $300 and then fled in a Isuzu Trooper. Investigators found the torn probation appointment card in the gutter where the Isuzu had been parked.
On it was the name of an employee of Denver Adult Probation Service. Also included on the card were the date and time for the probation service’s interview.
A check with the probation service showed Calbert having the only appointment at that date and time.
Investigators said Calbert, a veteran who served in Desert Storm, the first Gulf War, also wore a Desert Storm hat during one of the robberies.
Calbert is in the Denver County Jail in lieu of $775,000 bail.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
