Detectives investigating north-end homicide scene

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a multiple homicide scene in north Edmonton. North Division patrol officers responded to a suspicious circumstances call at an address near 83 Street and 180 Avenue at approximately 8:30 p.m. last night, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014.



Homicide detectives have since taken over the investigation, and are confirming more than one death, at this time.



Additional details will be made available this afternoon, during a 3 p.m. Media Availability in the Atrium at EPS HQ with EPS Police Chief Rod Knecht.






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

Arrest made in southwest fatal assault

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives have arrested and charged a male in connection to the fatal assault of a man in southwest Edmonton on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

Kyle Charles Ashton, 19, has been charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of Raad Hamza, 24.

The investigation is on-going.

This is Edmonton’s 27^th homicide for 2014.

Background:

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the fatal assault of a 24-year-old male, who was discovered on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 in southwest Edmonton.

Whyte Avenue Beat officers discovered an unconscious male on the sidewalk in the area of 105 Street and 82 Avenue at approximately 2:30 a.m. The male was treated and transported to hospital with life threatening injuries, where he passed away.

The Medical Examiner conducted the victim’s autopsy on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. The death was deemed to be a homicide, and the cause of death was head trauma.

The autopsy confirmed the man’s identity as Raad Hamza, 24.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1AKcL4g

Police seek public’s assistance in identifying sexual assault suspect

The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public for assistance in identifying a suspect in an alleged sexual assault that occurred in downtown Edmonton earlier this month.

On Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, Downtown Division officers responded to a report of a sexual assault at Stillpoint Wellness Centre and Chi Spa, located at 112 Street and Jasper Avenue. It was reported that at approximately 1 p.m. that afternoon, a female complainant attended the establishment for a massage appointment.

During the massage, the male masseuse allegedly sexually assaulted the female complainant. The female left the establishment and reported the incident to the police.

“We are looking to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect,” says Det. Rochelle Going with Downtown Division Criminal Investigation Section. “If there are others who have experienced something similar at this establishment, the EPS encourages them to come forward with information.”

“The suspect may have also operated out of other businesses or private residences,” adds Det. Going.

The suspect is described as an Asian male in his mid to late 50s, with dark, short hair and a small mustache. He was seen at the establishment wearing a green t-shirt, jeans, a long, shiny coat with snap buttons and blue “croc style” shoes. The suspect may go by the name “Mr. Wang.”

Anyone who has information about this sexual assault 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.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1AFrQEs

More than 130 fugitives rounded up during latest Project OWE

More than 130 fugitives with a combined total of 1,240 outstanding warrants for violence-related offences such as robbery, aggravated assault and possession of firearms were arrested during the EPS’s most recent Project OWE campaign.

Held between Nov. 10^th and Dec 11^th, 2014, Project Operation Warrant Execution was managed by the EPS Targeted Offender Section with assistance provided by EPS divisional project teams and other police services across the country, including the Canada Border Services Agency.

In one instance, Project OWE members located and arrested Tusif Ur Rehman Chhina, 30, of Pakistan, wanted on 27 outstanding warrants, robbery, forgery and fraud-related charges in Edmonton, Calgary and Germany.



Tisif will remain in custody in Calgary, where he is facing 17 warrants for offences ranging from kidnapping, unlawful confinement, use of a firearm in the commission of an offence, uttering threats, extortion, fraud, possessing fraudulent identification and assault. The accused will then face a deportation hearing, which will be undertaken by the CBSA.



As one pillar of the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy, Project OWE encourages individuals with outstanding warrants to come forward and deal with them or face possible arrest.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/16NLpzB

Autopsy confirms cause of death in southwest fatal assault

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives continue to investigate the fatal assault of a man in southwest Edmonton on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

The Medical Examiner conducted the victim’s autopsy on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. The death was deemed to be a homicide, and the cause of death was head trauma.

The autopsy confirmed the man’s identity as Raad HAMZA, 24. This is Edmonton’s 27^th homicide for 2014.

The investigation continues. Charges have not been laid.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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.

Background:

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the fatal assault of a 24-year-old male, who was discovered on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 in southwest Edmonton.

Whyte Avenue Beat officers discovered an unconscious male on the sidewalk in the area of 105 Street and 82 Avenue at approximately 2:30 a.m. The male was treated and transported to hospital with life threatening injuries, where he passed away.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1HwLti9

Charges laid in connection with Amber Alert

The Edmonton Police Service has charged two people in connection with an Amber Alert that was issued on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014.

A 50-year-old male has been charged with housebreaking and commit assault, abandoning a child (x3) and causing a child to be in need of intervention – obstruction/interference (x3).

A 31-year-old female has been charged with abandoning a child (x3) and causing a child to be in need of intervention – obstruction/interference (x3).

The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate.

Background:

Edmonton Police Service Northeast Division officers responded to the area of Delwood Road at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. It was reported that an adult male had allegedly abducted three male children and an adult female. An Amber Alert was activated at 12:24 p.m. The Amber Alert was cancelled at 5:08 p.m. after RCMP took a male and female into custody in Evansburg, Alberta.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1GQEO3R

Police seek witnesses to fatal assault in southwest Edmonton

Detectives from the Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section are seeking witnesses to a fatal assault that allegedly occurred in southwest Edmonton in the early morning on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014.

The 24-year-old male victim, Raad HAMZA, has succumbed to his injuries, passing away in hospital.

“We have reason to believe there were as many as six witnesses standing on the sidewalk in the area of 105 Avenue and 82 Street when the assault allegedly took place,” says Det. Dale Johnson with the EPS Homicide Section. “We’re encouraging these people to come forward with information.”

The suspicious death is still under investigation by the EPS Homicide Section. No charges have been laid at this time.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Det. Johnson with the EPS Homicide Section directly at 780-421-3423. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

Background:

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating an alleged assault of a 24-year-old male, who was discovered on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014 in southwest Edmonton.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 20, 2014, Whyte Avenue Beat officers discovered an unconscious male on the sidewalk in the area of 105 Street and 82 Avenue. The male was treated and transported to hospital with life threatening injuries, where he remains in critical condition.

Police believe that three males, possibly known to each other, left an establishment in the area. It is reported a physical altercation between the three males occurred outside, leaving the 24-year-old victim unconscious.

The EPS Homicide Section has taken over the ongoing investigation. No charges have been laid at this time.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/16GKb9a

Police issue Amber Alert

The Edmonton Police Service has issued an Amber Alert for three Caucasian, male children who were allegedly abducted by an adult male from north Edmonton at approximately 9:45 a.m. today (Friday, Dec. 19, 2014). Police believe the adult male is known to the children.

Child #1: 2 years old, with curly, blond hair, approximately 3’6” in height.

Child #2: 8 years old with short, dark, messy hair, approximately 4’2” in height.

Child #3: 9 years old with light brown, short hair, approximately 4’2” in height.

The adult male is reported as Leonard Hutchinson, 50. He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6’1” in height, and weighs about 300 lbs. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt, grey pants, with suspenders and eye glasses.

The adult male and children were last seen in a 2002 red Kia Sedona with the AB licence plate BPB6141. The vehicle was last known to be travelling in west Edmonton. The adult male may be accompanied by an Aboriginal female with long, dark hair.

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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1DRYKp5

Police seek witnesses to pedestrian collision in southeast Edmonton

Officers from the Edmonton Police Service Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) are seeking witnesses to a pedestrian collision that occurred earlier this week in southeast Edmonton.

On Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 at approximately 7:50 p.m., Southeast Division patrol members responded to the report of a pedestrian collision in a marked crosswalk at 98 Avenue and Terrace Road. It is alleged that two pedestrians, a 27-year-old male and 22-year-old female, were struck by a Pontiac G5 travelling westbound on 98 Avenue.

“Investigators are looking to speak with a female motorist who stopped at the scene of the collision on Monday evening,” says Const. Binoy Prabhu with the EPS MCIU. “The motorist identified herself as a nurse, and provided assistance to the pedestrians. The EPS would like to speak with this witness, along with anyone else who may have information about the collision.”

The two pedestrians were treated and transported to hospital with injuries, where they both remain in stable condition. The collision is still under investigation, and charges have not been laid at this time.

Neither excessive speed nor alcohol are believed to be factors in the collision.

Anyone who has information about this collision 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.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1w343HX

P4 initiative focuses on crime prevention in downtown Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service will have an increased presence this week in downtown parking areas, as officers carry out a public safety initiative known as “P4”.

P4 zones (parkades, pedways, platforms and parking lots) see an increase in foot and vehicle traffic during the holiday season. Starting Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, Community Liaison Constables from Downtown Division will be targeting these areas, in an effort to increase public safety and reduce property crime and violence.

The P4 initiative will focus on parkade, pedway, platform and parking lot safety in the following areas:

• Shopping centre parking lots


• Downtown hotels


• Churchill and Stadium LRT platforms


• The downtown pedway system


• Parking lots throughout the downtown core

“Officers will be in these areas to raise awareness about theft and property crime, and to target criminal activity when necessary,” says Acting Sgt. Christopher Lucas with Downtown Division. “The EPS is also partnering with the Alberta Motor Association and Centre High students to distribute information to the public about crime prevention.”

The initiative will take place during afternoon and evening hours, from Monday, Dec. 15 to Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014.

Citizens who witness suspicious activity in P4 areas are asked to contact the EPS 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.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1wWus1o

“Make Your Move” to stop sexual violence

The Edmonton Police Service is launching “Make Your Move” today, an awareness campaign that urges the public to get involved and interrupt behaviours that may lead to sexual violence.

“Sexual assault is a serious crime the Edmonton Police Service continues to see in the city, and these incidents are often facilitated by alcohol,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes with the Sexual Assault Section. “The ‘Make Your Move’ message encourages bar patrons to look out for each other by stopping comments and actions that promote sexual violence.”

So far in 2014, 374 sexual assaults have been reported to the EPS Sexual Assault Section, an increase from 355 reported in 2013 and 337 in 2012.

“Education and public awareness campaigns often encourage people to come forward and report incidents of sexual violence to the police,” comments Staff Sgt. Grimes. “We want to empower others to do the same.”

“Make Your Move” is aimed at bar patrons, both men and women, and the main messages are simple but head-turning: look out for each other, get your friends home safely and never feel like you owe anyone anything.

“We want to encourage patrons to drop the ‘it’s none of my business’ attitude and adopt a ‘that could be my family or friend’ approach, if they see someone who may need assistance. Intervention, when safe to do so, can prevent a potentially harmful situation,” says Staff Sgt. Grimes.

The campaign will run from Dec. 15, 2014 to Jan. 11, 2015, with print posters displayed in the public washrooms of approximately twenty bars across Edmonton. The campaign will also be featured on social media, through the EPS Facebook, Twitter and Flickr accounts.

The “Make Your Move” campaign originated in Montana as an effort from Missoula’s Intervention in Action Project, a group of community organizations dedicated to ending sexual violence.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1BJW0VU

Suspect charged in connection with downtown shooting

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested a male suspect in connection with a downtown Edmonton shooting that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014.

At approximately 12:10 a.m. on Dec. 11, 2014, Downtown Division officers responded to the area of 105 Avenue, west of 101 Street, after it was reported that a 32-year-old male had sustained a gunshot wound. The male was treated and transported to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in stable condition.

Video surveillance of the incident was reviewed, and investigations led Downtown Division and Tactical Section officers to the area of 102 Avenue and 101 Street. At approximately 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, a male suspect was taken into custody without incident. Upon arrest, officers recovered a concealed, loaded firearm on the suspect.

Ronald Alexander GIROUX-BELCOURT, 21, faces 28 charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, discharge firearm with intent to endanger life, possess offensive weapon dangerous to public and carry concealed weapon.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1qFYbIX

Blue Santa delivering holiday cheer

Some special children on the ‘nice list’ will get a special delivery by Blue Santa in police cruisers this holiday season!

The Edmonton Police Service Blue Santa program is in its 19^th year. Uniformed police officers are volunteering their coffee breaks during their shifts to deliver gifts on behalf of Santa’s Anonymous to families in need.

“This volunteer effort is a great way for citizens to have a positive interaction with police,” says Det. Rob Gill who spearheaded the Blue Santa program almost two decades ago. “Uniformed police officers personally deliver about 400 gifts city-wide every year.”

The mission of Blue Santa has always been to see every child receive a gift during the holiday season.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1yIuHNl

Police looking for witnesses in downtown shooting

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a reported shooting that occurred early this morning (Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014) in downtown Edmonton.

At approximately 12:10 a.m., Downtown Division officers were called by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to 105 Avenue, just west of 101 Street. It was reported that a 32-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound, and was treated and transported to hospital. The male remains in hospital in serious condition.

No arrests have been made and the incident is still under investigation. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, as 105 Avenue from 101 Street to 102 Street will be closed for the next several hours.

Anyone who has information about the shooting 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.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1zUueVn