The enforcement blitz attempts to improve traffic safety in our city by targeting excessive speeding and dangerous driving practices.
In the 24-hour enforcement period starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014, 3,516 speeding violations were issued. There were 659 additional tickets issued for a variety of violations, including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.
One motorist, operating a Nissan Altima, was stopped at Whitemud Drive and 34 Street for travelling 136 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, 56 km/h over the posted speed limit. The motorist was given a compulsory court date and could face fines up to $2,300 and other penalties.
Another motorist, travelling 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone, was stopped on Whitemud Drive at the Quesnell Bridge. After refusing to provide identification and documentation, the motorist was issued tickets for speeding and no insurance (minimum fine of $2,875), along with charges of resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer.
There were 4,174 tickets issued for the June 2014 Operation 24 Hours. This is an increase from the 3,074 tickets issued during the June 2013 enforcement initiative.
“Edmonton has a growing cycling community with disposable income, that continues to invest in expensive bikes often worth thousands of dollars,” said Const. Terence Mak, of the EPS Southwest Division. “Unfortunately, many fail to protect their asset with a quality lock and/or proper storage and consequently become easy targets for thieves.”
In 2013, thieves made off with close to 800 bikes from across the city, the majority being stolen from various locations in southwest and downtown Edmonton. A total of 162 were reported stolen to police between Jan. 1, 2014 and June 2, 2014, so far this year, a slight increase over last year.
“For the cost of a solid U-shaped lock, cyclists can lower the odds of losing their expensive asset to an opportunistic criminal,” stated Const. Mak. “It can only take a matter of seconds for a seasoned thief to steal a bike.”
The surveillance video included here (view or download bike theft video surveillance), illustrates how quickly a thief can make off with an expensive bike. In this incident, the thief quickly stole a bike on May 21, 2014, from a bicycle stand located outside of a Southwest Edmonton school.
There are numerous things cyclists can do to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime, such as recording the serial number of the bike upon purchase, a proactive step that could help police reunite a rightful owner with their bike if it is located.
Click here for additional bike protection tips.
Note: EPS in partnership with United Cycle will be holding a Media Availability today at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot on the north side of the building, 7620 Gateway Blvd.
Anyone who can help identify the suspect seen in the bike theft surveillance video 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.
Edmonton’s emergency crews are teaming up to educate motorists to slow down and give emergency vehicles room to work on the roadways. .
The Edmonton Police Service, AMA, EMS and Edmonton Fire will stand together to remind drivers to slow down. Emergency services personnel experience near-misses from motorists speeding by roadside emergency vehicles and tow trucks far too often.
“Whether it’s an ambulance, fire truck, police cruiser or a tow truck, the law says slow down to 60 km/h or less if traveling in the lane next to the stopped emergency vehicle,” says Sgt. Gary Lamont with Edmonton Police Major Collision Investigations Unit. “It is also appreciated if vehicles move over a lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle to ensure emergency crews have enough room to work.”
“Emergency responders aren’t just vehicles with flashing lights,” says Colin MacDiarmid, a tow truck operator with the AMA. “We are all people with families and loved ones who are counting on us to make it home safely.”
Speeding past emergency vehicles falls under the Traffic Safety Act which results in heftier fines than regular speeding offenses.
Shelly Tanis Dene, 26, (see photo below) was reported missing to the EPS by a family member on Nov. 8, 2013. She had been out of contact with her family since last August. At the time of her disappearance, she was living at a residence in the area of 114 Street and 102 Avenue.
Family members continue to search for information about their loved one, and have organized an awareness walk in her memory that will be held at Churchill Square Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Speeches, traditional smudge and prayer ceremonies with drummers and singers will also be held prior to the walk.
“We want the community to know that we haven’t forgotten about our loving Shelly,” said an emotional Candice Lhommecourt. “Our family and friends will be participating Saturday, and we also invite the community to come walk with us.”
“Someone, somewhere, knows something about my sister’s whereabouts, and we’re hopeful that by raising awareness this weekend about her disappearance, that someone will contact police and help bring our sister home. I have mountains to move to bring Shelly back home, and until then Shelly remains in my dreams, thoughts, prayers and heart.”
Dene is described as being Aboriginal, 5’7” tall, 111 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair (see photo below)
Anyone that may have seen or spoken to Dene or has information about her whereabouts is encouraged to call 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.
Note: Candice LHommecourt is available to speak with media tomorrow, Friday, June 20, 2014, in advance of Saturday’s awareness walk. She can be contacted at 780-381-8783 to arrange an interview.
Missing Person: Shelly Tanis Dene, 26
In November 2012, a proactive investigation initiated by VICE revealed a 16-year-old female complainant who reported that she met a male over the internet in an online chat room and was allegedly controlled and forced to work in the sex trade in Edmonton.
“It’s so encouraging to have this brave young girl come forward and report this to the police,” says Staff Sgt. Jerry Nash with VICE Section. “The strength and courage she has displayed may inspire others to do the same.”
After a thorough investigation, detectives charged Sean Patrick Wilson, 27, with procuring for prostitution, living off the avails under 18 years, and sex assault (x2).
At the time of the incident, witnesses told police that a Chevy Cobalt was travelling northbound on 101 Street and was making a left-hand turn onto 82 Avenue, when it allegedly struck David Finkelman, 27, who was walking southbound across the avenue through a marked crosswalk.
The male was treated by EMS on scene and transported to hospital where he later died.
Emily Holmes, 19, is charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and careless driving.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
William Griesbach Training Centre, 14310-109 Street
*members of the media are invited to attend the event
“Our year-end celebration is the culmination of a year’s worth of foot drill, fitness, presentations, volunteering, team building and leadership,” says Const. Shannon Tenney, EPS Cadet Corps Coordinator. “The awards presented reflect those individuals who excelled above their peers, and demonstrated their commitment to the EPS Cadet Corps.”
EPS senior officers will present the awards, and promotions will be announced for the 2014/2015 cadet year. Representatives from EPS, RBC, the Edmonton Police Foundation and the EPS Cadet Corps will be available for comment after the ceremony. Refreshments will be served.
Every year awards are presented to select cadets for volunteer service, attendance, dedication, long term service and leadership.
Background:
As early as 1979, EPS was involved in delivering youth programming aimed at training and mentoring leaders in the community. Initially EPS partnered with Scouts Canada to deliver a program called “Police Venturers”. In 1990 the structure changed and became a police-run program; the Edmonton Police Service Cadet Program. This youth program was established for 14 to 20 year olds as a mix of police-related activities, life and leadership skill development. Over the years more effort has been given to preparing Cadets to enter the police recruit hiring pool. Today, the EPS Cadet Corps numbers 36, and efforts are underway to increase membership over the coming years.
The Edmonton Police Service Cadet Program challenges those youth interested in law enforcement through opportunities for skill enhancement, community service and leadership. Visit http://ift.tt/1hwXxJv for more information.
