Autopsy results conclude Remand Centre victim’s death was a homicide

Results released by the Medical Examiner’s Office confirm the death of an inmate at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Christmas Eve was a homicide.

Autopsy results concluded that Curtis Dale Hill, 34, died from injuries related to blunt force trauma and the manner in which he died was by homicide.



The investigation is ongoing.



Background:

Homicide detectives were called out to the Remand Centre at approximately 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. Witnesses told police an altercation occurred between inmates in a cell.



Paramedics were subsequently called out and treated the male victim, who was pronounced dead on scene shortly thereafter.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/remandcentrehomicide.aspx

Charges laid against suspect in officer-involved shooting

A 32-year-old man is facing numerous charges in connection with Saturday’s officer-involved shooting near 118 Avenue and 106 Street. Dusty Sand, 32, is facing numerous weapon-related offences, after he allegedly brandished a knife and what turned out to be a replica pistol, during a confrontation with Downtown Division Patrol members just before 2 a.m., Dec. 28^th.



Sand is charged with possession of an offensive weapon (x2), and one count each of carrying a concealed weapon, pointing a firearm, use of an imitation firearm while committing an indictable offence and uttering death threats.



Background:

Downtown Division Patrol members responded to a weapons complaint called in to police from Edmonton Transit early Saturday morning.



Once on scene, members located a male suspect, who appeared to brandish a firearm. The suspect was confrontational and refused the officer’s repeated instructions to drop the weapon. A round was subsequently discharged by a police member.



The male suspect sustained a superficial injury from the discharged round and was taken into police custody. Charges are still pending at this time.



The Director of Law Enforcement was notified and instructed the EPS to conduct the investigation.



from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/officerinvoldedshooting.aspx

First-degree murder suspect turns himself into Vancouver police

Justin Sandquist, 23, wanted on Canada-wide warrants in connection with the death of Aaron Cote, turned himself into Vancouver police yesterday, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives had issued several warrants last week for Sandquist’s arrest, including first-degree murder for the alleged stabbing death of Cote, 25, which occurred in a motel parking lot near Gateway Boulevard and 45 Avenue in the early morning hours on Dec. 18^th.



Homicide detectives flew out to Vancouver last night, where they will interview Sandquist, before arranging for his transport back to Edmonton to face charges of first degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal hit and run.



Background:

Southwest Division Patrol members responded to a weapon’s complaint at approximately 2:47 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. Upon arrival on scene officers found a male victim on the ground in distress suffering from stab wounds. Witness statements suggest a scuffle between several males broke out in the parking lot of a nearby nightclub and culminated with a 25-year-old male sustaining stab wounds in the motel parking lot.



The suspect fled the scene in a white Ford F-150 truck. The male victim was treated on scene and rushed to hospital by paramedics, where he succumbed to his injuries.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/firstdegreemurder.aspx

Base jumper charged

On Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013 witnesses reported seeing two base jumpers in the area of 121 Street and Jasper Avenue just before 7 p.m.

On-site security apprehended one male jumper and the other allegedly fled the area in a black SUV.

Police charged a 34-year-old man with trespassing which carries a $287 fine. This is not the same male who was charged in a base jumping incident in August 2013.

“The EPS discourages this high-risk activity as it poses a significant risk to both the jumpers and the public,” says Duty Officer Chad Tawfik.

The investigation continues.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/basejumpers.aspx

Homicide detectives investigating suspicious death in parkade

Homicide Section detectives are investigating a suspicious death near 103 Avenue and 103 Street in the city’s downtown core.

Homicide Section detectives were called out to a downtown mall parkade at approximately 8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, after a body was discovered in a nearby stairwell.



Details, including gender of the deceased, have yet to be determined.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/suspiciousdeathinparkade.aspx

5th Annual McCauley Cup today

Downtown Division police officers will be lacing up their skates for a friendly game of hockey at the McCauley ice rink this afternoon.

Today’s game (Friday, Dec. 27, 2013) marks the 5^th annual McCauley Cup. The hockey game was originally introduced by a Downtown Beat police officer who wanted to bridge the gap between themselves and the community. Since, the game has grown in popularity and no matter the weather; youth from the neighbourhood are always ready to showcase their new skills to the police officers and spectators.

“Every year there are more and more youth on the ice playing against the officers,” says Sgt. David Kabyn of Downtown Division and organizer of the McCauley Cup “We want to continue to build on those positive relationships and get to know the kids and the community.”

The puck drops at 2 p.m. at the McCauley outdoor skating rink, located at 96 Street and 108 Avenue. All media are invited to the game for photo/video opportunities.

Players and visitors will be able to enjoy a bonfire. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided. United Cycle has again donated hockey jerseys to use during the game.

All spectators are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation to the Edmonton Food Bank.

EPS would like to thank the Edmonton Police Foundation and the McCauley Community League for their support in the 5^th Annual McCauley Cup.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/mccauleycup.aspx

Homicide detectives investigate suspicious death at Remand Centre

Homicide Section detectives are investigating the suspicious death of an inmate that occurred at the Edmonton Remand Centre on Christmas Eve.

Homicide detectives were called out to the Remand Centre at approximately 8:50 p.m. last night. Although the investigation is preliminary at this time, witnesses told police an altercation occurred between two inmates in a cell.



Paramedics were subsequently called out and treated the male victim, who was pronounced dead on scene shortly thereafter. An autopsy has not yet been scheduled.



Details regarding the deceased will not be made available until next of kin are notified.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/homicidedetectives.aspx

Suspect arrested, charged for voyeurism incident

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged an Edmonton man in connection with an alleged voyeurism incident that occurred recently in an Edmonton Public Library bathroom. Antonio Petraglia, 47, is charged with voyeurism in relation to an incident that occurred Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in the women’s bathroom at the Lois Hole Library in Callingwood.



Police arrested Petraglia at the same library Dec. 15, 2013, after witnesses identified the suspect from a photo released by EPS last week.



Background:

A voyeurism incident is alleged to have occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in the women’s washroom at the Lois Hole Library, 176 Street and 69 Avenue. It was reported to police that the suspect, an elderly male, followed a 19-year-old female into the women’s bathroom at the library.



The complainant then noticed the male suspect on the floor peering up at her, while in the adjacent stall. The suspect fled the scene, after the complainant began yelling at him.



from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/voyeurismincident.aspx

EPS School Resource Officers serve up holiday cheer to students

Members of the Edmonton Police Service’s School Resource Officer Unit will deliver some Christmas cheer to the students at LY Cairns School Dec. 19, helping to serve a Christmas meal to students over the lunch hour. “This is the only Christmas turkey dinner some of these children will receive,” said Sgt. Kelly Rosnau, of the EPS School Resource Officer Unit. “Our officers consider it an honour to be involved in this meaningful event, which is made possible through the generosity of the LY Cairns staff who fund it.”



Approximately 20 members of the SRO Unit, who are normally deployed throughout Edmonton’s school system, will gather at LY Cairns, adorn aprons and serve up a hearty Christmas lunch to the students beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Students will enjoy Christmas music and carolling, while interracting with EPS members.



Media are welcome to attend. LY Cairns School is located at 10510 45 Ave.



from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/schoolresource.aspx

Police lay murder charge in physical altercation that led to death

The Edmonton Police Service has laid a murder charge in connection with a death that occurred after a physical altercation that occurred on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013.

An autopsy took place this morning on 32-year-old Joseph Sharmen Yellowbird, however, the cause of death is pending toxicology results.

Homicide detectives have charged Stefan Bryan Johnson, 27, with second degree murder.

There were no weapons involved, and the two men were not known to each other.

Background

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a death that occurred in Mill Woods early this morning.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, police were called to the parking lot of a bar shortly after 2 a.m. in the area of Knottwood Road East and Mill Woods Road South, after a physical altercation took place.

EMS treated and transported a 32-year-old male to hospital, where he died shortly thereafter.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/johnsoncharged.aspx

Police locate missing senior

The RCMP safely located the missing 76-year-old senior near Pierce Lake, Saskatchewan around 3:30 p.m. today.

The Edmonton Police Service thanks all media outlets and the public for their assistance in this matter.

Background:

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a 76-year-old-man who was reported missing yesterday.

Police believe the senior maybe disoriented and unable to find his way home.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/seniorfound.aspx

Police seek public's assistance in locating missing senior

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a 76-year-old-man who was reported missing yesterday.

Gerald Kukurba was last seen driving northbound on 97 Street at 167 Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013. Kukurba's vehicle is described as a 1991 dark blue Chrysler Dynasty with the Alberta licence plate UNP 723.

Police believe Kukurba maybe disoriented and unable to find his way home.

Kukurba is described as a Caucasian male; 5'7" tall, with grey hair, and a moustache. He was wearing a blue jacket, and blue work pants.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about the missing senior's whereabouts or his vehicle to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/kukurbamissing.aspx

Police seek witness to fatal hit-and-run

The Major Collision Investigation Section of the Edmonton Police Service is seeking a potential female witness to a fatal hit-and-run that occurred downtown 10 days ago.

On Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, a 25-year-old male was struck and killed by a white van in the area of 105 Avenue and 102 Street. The van fled the scene.

The female at the scene is described as Aboriginal, approximately 20 - 35 years old, with average build and dark medium length hair. At the time of the incident she was wearing glasses, a black sweatshirt with a white Adidas symbol on the front, a white winter jacket with hood and was carrying a small black backpack.

Police would like to speak to the woman in the event she witnessed anything valuable that could assist the on-going investigation.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.







from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/policeseek.aspx

West Division members arrest suspect preying on seniors with assistance of WEM personnel

Police have arrested a male suspect believed to be responsible for impersonating family members and repair men to gain access to the suites of senior citizens living in retirement homes.

Edmonton Police Service members responded to a call from West Edmonton Mall security personnel last night, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Mall security members recognized Preston Lee Carpenter, 29, from a photo released to the public earlier in the day.



Security officials with a keen eye spotted Carpenter walking through WEM and quickly contacted police, who responded and arrested the suspect.



Carpenter is facing charges of forgery (x2), unlawfully in a dwelling and mischief.



Background:

Southwest patrol members responded to four calls involving two retirement homes since Monday, Nov. 25, 2013; the first in the Garneau area, the second in the neighbourhood of Glastonbury.



In the most recent incident that occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Dec. 5, the suspect claimed to be the grandson of a resident, in an attempt to gain access to the building. In the Nov. 25 incident, it is alleged the suspect posed as a maintenance man and gained access to a 95-year-old resident’s suite, where a cabinet was broken into and items stolen.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/westdivision.aspx

Officer charged with assault

A sworn member with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) was charged with assault on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013.

Det. Thomas Wilson, a 25 year member with the EPS has been charged with one count of assault under Section 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada. This relates to a matter that occurred in April of 2011 between the accused and an EPS subordinate.

This charge follows an investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch which was subsequently reviewed by Alberta Justice.

The detective has been relieved from duty without pay as a result of this charge, and another unrelated internal incident that is currently under investigation by the EPS.

As this matter is before the courts, we cannot comment on the file until the legal proceedings have concluded.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/PSBCharge.aspx

West Division front counter to relocate from Dec. 9 – 21, 2013.

As a result of construction work, the front counter of West Division will be closed from Monday, December 9, 2013 until Saturday, December 21, 2013. Members of the Public who require police assistance can go to the Summerlea Station located on the lower level at Entrance 32 in Phase I of West Edmonton Mall. A customer parking lot is available adjacent to the station in lot 32.

The front counter at Summerlea will be open to the public from 8 a.m. until 8p.m. seven days a week.

Citizens can also report a number of crimes such as minor damage to property, minor damage to a vehicle, lost property, theft from a vehicle under $5,000 and theft of property under $5,000 online at www.edmontonpolice.ca.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/WestDivisionfrontcountertorelocate.aspx

Pedestrian dies days after being struck by fleeing van

A 25-year-old male critically injured in a hit-and-run earlier in the week has died.

Downtown Division patrol officers responded to a pedestrian hit-and-run collision at 1:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 in the area of 102 Street and 105 Avenue. The critically injured male, from Wabasca, AB, was treated and transferred to hospital with life-saving injuries. He died three days later.

Police continue to look for the driver of the van that struck the male pedestrian. The van was subsequently located without the driver.



The investigation is still being led by the Major Collision Investigation Section. This is the 25^th traffic fatality of 2013.



Anyone who has information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.



from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/HitandRunDeath.aspx

Van flees scene; man hit in critical condition

Police are looking for the driver of a van that struck a male pedestrian early this morning, Dec. 2, 2013, leaving the man in critical condition.

Downtown Division patrol officers responded to a pedestrian hit and run call at 1:30 a.m. in the area of 102 Street and 105 Avenue.

A 25-year-old male had been reportedly struck by a white van which fled the scene. The male pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.



The van was subsequently located without the driver.



The investigation is being led by the Major Collision Investigation Section.



Anyone who has knowledge about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

from Media Releases http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/HitandRunDowntownCritical.aspx