While in police custody, the man went into medical distress. EMS responded and treated and transported the man to hospital where he subsequently died.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has taken the lead in this investigation.
Const. Eric Vezina, a one-year member with the EPS, was charged with three counts of assault pursuant to section 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The charges stem from an off-duty incident at a nightclub. The constable is currently relieved from duty without pay.
The charges follow an in-depth investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch which was subsequently reviewed by Alberta Justice.
As the matter is currently before the courts, the EPS is not able to provide further comment or information about the incident or investigation.
On April 23, 2015, investigators arrested and charged a male dubbed the ‘Crash Test Bandit’ in relation to the motorcycle helmet the accused wore during a series of 11 robberies that occurred over a six-week period.
The accused, who was under surveillance at the time, was arrested in the parking lot of an Edmonton financial institution near 30 Street and 137 Avenue. He had a pellet gun and motorcycle helmet in his possession when he was taken into custody.
He is alleged to have committed eight armed robberies at the following financial institutions:
March 13, 2015, at 6:45 p.m. – 136 Avenue and 50 Street in Edmonton
March 14, 2015, 1:50 p.m. – 118 Avenue and 39 Street in Edmonton
March 15, 2015, at 11 a.m. –38 Avenue and Calgary Trail in Edmonton
March 15, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. – 20 Avenue and 34 Street in Calgary
April 2, 2015, at 5 p.m. – Hebert Road in St. Albert
April 7, 2015, at 11:50 a.m. – 118 Avenue and 40 Street in Edmonton
April 17, 2015, at 6 p.m. – 96 Avenue and 142 Street in Edmonton
April 19, 2015, at 2:50 p.m. – 24 Avenue and Guardian Road in Edmonton
The accused is also alleged to have committed two armed robberies at the following commercial businesses:
March 15, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. – 38 Avenue and Memorial Drive in Calgary
March 28, 2015, at 9 p.m. – 160 Avenue and 37 Street in Edmonton
Neijoha Swinka Munroe, 36, of Golden, B.C., has been charged with armed robbery (x7), attempted robbery, disguise with intent (x7), possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public (x5), carry a concealed weapon (x5) in connection with the Edmonton robberies. Additional charges may be pending in other jurisdictions.
The two males within the photo were observed inside a commercial premise prior to Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responding to the west end fires at approximately 4:57 a.m.
According to the preliminary examination of the scenes, arson detectives believe an accelerant may have been used to light the following on fire: a dumpster behind an apartment complex; a fence on the property of a single-family residence; and a vehicle parked on a roadway.
The EPS is releasing the following photos of the two males. Anyone with information about their identities is asked to call the EPS non-emergency complaint line 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
It was reported to police that a 37-year-old woman was assaulted by the suspect while jogging west on 116 Avenue and 102 Street at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Ashton Dennis Natomagan, 33, is wanted on the following charges: robbery, assault with a weapon, choking with intent to overcome resistance, kidnapping (confine), unlawful confinement, sexual assault with threats to cause bodily harm, possess offensive weapon dangerous to public, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
Natomagan is described as being an Aboriginal male, 5'11” and 170 pounds, with possibly a bald head or very short hair.
Around 3:40 a.m. this morning (Friday, Apr. 24, 2015) police were called to 103A Avenue and 93 Street after a man was shot multiple times on the street. EMS also responded, treated and transported the man to hospital.
The man underwent surgery today and is in serious but stable condition.
Police do not believe this is a random incident. Investigators have spoken to some witnesses but are still looking for more information.
Anyone who has information about this incident 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.
EDGE Unit conducted an investigation that resulted in executing a search warrant of a residence in the area of 102 Avenue and 117 Street on April 22, 2015. This resulted in the seizure of:
“Fentanyl is becoming more widely available in our city,” says Insp. Darren Derko with EPS EDGE Unit. “It’s a relatively new and very dangerous drug that simulates the effects of heroin and oxycodone.”
The suspect was arrested on Thursday, Apr. 22, 2015 in the area of 124 Avenue and 153 Street. His court date is scheduled for April 24, 2015.
Danny Ho Ming Chui, 33, is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2) and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.
824 fentanyl pills with a street value of $41,200
About Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic that has been used as a pain reliever and anesthetic since the 1960s. It depresses the central nervous system and respiratory functions.
Fentanyl is diverted via pharmacy theft, fraudulent prescriptions, and illicit distribution by patients or formulated in clandestine laboratories.
Since 2012, there has been an increase in drug seizures where Fentanyl has been mixed with other drugs or chemicals and pressed into counterfeit Oxycodone pills or as a powder in capsules.
Fentanyl can be absorbed into the body via inhalation, oral exposure, ingested or skin contact. It can be also be administered intravenously, intramuscularly or as a skin patch.
Powdered fentanyl is highly toxic and very dangerous to handle. Fentanyl represents an unusual hazard for law enforcement and all other public safety personnel: the improper handling of fentanyl can prove fatal. Lethal amounts vary depending on an individual’s tolerance and physical characteristics but an amount of pure fentanyl about the size of a few grains of table salt can be deadly.
The onset of adverse health effects such as disorientation, coughing, sedation, respiratory distress or cardiac arrest is very rapid and profound, usually occurring within minutes of exposure.
Watch EPS' video on the dangers of Fentanyl
Multiple suspects allegedly broke into separate, adjacent commercial premises before successfully gaining entry to facilitate the theft of jewelry from a shop near 95 Avenue and 170 Street. The items stolen have a retail value in excess of $500,000.
EPS detectives have already spoke to several late-night witnesses from the area, and are now calling for additional witnesses to step forward.
“In this day and age of connectedness and communication, it is likely someone has or will come across information of value,” says Det. Rae Gerrard of the Criminal Investigations Section. “If and when these stolen items are circulating and being sold, the price, the sheer volume – or the details of the break and enter – may potentially surface. Sometimes it is a partial piece of information that contributes to the overall picture, and we’d like the public to report that information.”
Anyone who has information about this incident 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.
The male, whose name isn’t being released to protect the identity of the complainant and their family, is alleged to have struck his 44-year-old female partner with a vehicle in the parking lot of a north-end entertainment complex on April 20, 2015.
The woman remains in critical but stable condition in hospital.
The accused has been charged with aggravated assault, criminal hit and run causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Background:
Northeast Division patrol members responded to a call for assistance in a business parking lot near 131 Avenue and Fort Road, at approximately 12:35 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2015.
It was reported to police that a couple was involved in a dispute when they left the business. Shortly thereafter, the male is alleged to have struck the woman with a vehicle, before fleeing the scene of the collision.
The EPS Domestic Offender Crime Section continues to investigate the incident.
It’s alleged the accused, Shawn Christopher Steinberg, 31, of Edmonton, robbed three different convenience stores in south Edmonton between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2015.
Three robbery warrants have been issued for Steinberg’s arrest.
He is described as a Caucasian male, 6’1”, 230 pounds, brown hair, green eyes, beard and moustache. Steinberg also has a dragon tattoo on his right calf.
Robbery investigators are releasing surveillance images (see below) of the male suspect, in an attempt to solicit the public’s assistance. Anyone with information regarding the accused is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.
Northeast Division patrol members responded to a call for assistance in a business parking lot near 131 Avenue and Fort Road, at approximately 12:35 a.m. today, Monday, April 20, 2015.
It was reported to police that a couple was involved in a dispute when they left the business. Shortly thereafter, the male is alleged to have struck the woman with a vehicle, before fleeing the scene of the collision.
The woman was rushed to hospital by EMS paramedics, where she remains in critical condition, after suffering life-threatening injuries.
Charges are pending against an Edmonton man, whose identity is not being released at this time.
The EPS Domestic Offender Crime Section and Major Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate this incident.
West Division patrol members responded to a weapon’s complaint in a park near 184 Street and 93 Avenue at approximately 12:40 a.m. today, Monday, April 20, 2015.
Upon arrival patrol members discovered a 25-year-old male lying on the ground in distress. The male was rushed to hospital by EMS, where he remains in critical condition following surgery.
Anyone with information about this shooting incident is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency complaint line 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.
“Altering driver behavior is something that obviously doesn’t occur overnight,” said Sgt. Steve Levesque, of the EPS West Division. “EPS and its law enforcement partners are going to continue to hammer home the message of responsible driving with similar initiatives throughout the spring and summer months.
“Officers and their families also travel these roadways, and we want everyone to get home to their families safely.”
Mounties from detachments in St. Albert, Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, as well as Provincial Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit officials will team up with members from EPS West and Northwest divisions for the one-day traffic initiative.
Law enforcement officials will be conducting laser and mobile radar, as well as commercial vehicle inspections, at several high volume traffic locations throughout the Edmonton area over the course of the day.
Safety inspectors will be checking commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg for faulty equipment, oversize loads, dangerous or stolen goods, load securement and the condition of drivers.
The EPS Traffic Section partners with numerous provincial regulatory agencies to carry out various initiatives throughout the year, in support of the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan.
It was reported that Margaret Wilson, 72, left an elderly care hospital in the area of 165 Street and 88 Avenue in west Edmonton on Apr. 9, 2015 at approximately 2 p.m. Wilson failed to return to the facility, prompting her family and medical staff to contact police.
Wilson’s disappearance is out of character and as a result, there are concerns for her well-being.
Margaret Wilson, 72
Margaret Wilson, 72, is described as a Caucasian female, approximately 5’5” tall and 110 lbs., with reddish-brown hair. She was last seen wearing a white shirt with grey stripes, black jacket, black pants and black shoes.
Police believe Wilson may have been seen in the area of 98 Street and 75 Avenue on the evening of Thursday, Apr. 9, 2015.
Anyone who has information on the woman’s whereabouts 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://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
Northwest patrol members responded to a call for assistance Saturday, April 11, 2015, at approximately 6:30 p.m., following the sexual assault and attempted personal robbery of a 37 year-old woman.
It was reported to police a woman was jogging west on 116 Avenue and 102 Street, when she was approached from behind by a male suspect and assaulted.
The suspect is then alleged to have dragged the female complainant further south down a nearby alley, where the male produced a box cutter and green painter’s tape, the latter of which he used to tie up the complainant. He then demanded money from the complainant, before assaulting her. The woman was able to escape her assailant, fleeing the area on foot.
The male is described as being an Aboriginal male, 6'0 and 160 pounds, approximately 25 to 30 years old, with spiky, dark hair. He was wearing a black track suit with a white stripe. (See composite sketch below).
Sexual Assault Section detectives also continue to investigate another assault on a woman that occurred in March in the same area, which includes some similarities.
“We haven’t yet concluded that these incidents were committed by the same individual, though there are certainly some similarities,” said Det. Brenda Dalziel, of the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “Regardless if these incidents are related or not, we want the public in this area to be aware and to report any suspicious activities to police.”
On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at approximately 8 p.m., patrol officers from Northwest Division responded to an assault call in an apartment complex parking lot. It was reported that a woman was walking through the lot near 118 Avenue and 102 Street, when a male suspect approached and assaulted her.
The woman briefly struggled with the suspect and yelled for help, before the male fled the area.
Anyone who has information about any of these assaults/personal robberies, or the suspect(s), 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://www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
Stanley Lymburner, 75, was reported missing to the EPS on Sunday, April 12, 2015 around 11:30 a.m. after he did not return to Shepherd’s Care Assisted Living at 103 Avenue and 122 Street. Lymburner was last seen by staff leaving the facility at approximately 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Lymburner requires regular medication and may seem confused when approached, and may be in medical distress.
He was last seen wearing a navy-blue jacket and grey sweat pants. Lymburner is Aboriginal, 5’6”, between 160 and 170 lbs., with brown eyes and grey hair.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating this individual is asked 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.
The Edmonton Police Service responded to the area of 105 Avenue and 95 Street at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2015. It was reported that a female pedestrian, 88-years-old, was walking westbound through a bottle depot parking lot, just north of 105 Avenue. She was allegedly struck by a Jeep Cherokee, driven by a 68-year-old man, as the vehicle reversed from a parking stall in the lot.
The woman was knocked to the ground and pinned under the vehicle, sustaining life-threatening injuries. EMS treated and transported the woman to hospital, where she died later that night.
The EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation. Neither speed nor alcohol are believed to be factors in the collision. Charges have not been laid at this time.
This is Edmonton’s sixth pedestrian fatality for 2015.
Anyone who has information about the 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.
The EPS thanks all media outlets and the public for assistance in this matter.
As such, the name of the deceased male is not being released.
Background:
Downtown Division patrol members responded to a call for assistance in a ravine area near 111 Avenue and 79 Street, at approximately midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
Upon arrival, witnesses led officers to the body of a deceased individual, the gender of which has yet to be confirmed.
Officers from Edmonton Police Service Northeast Division responded to the area of 82 Street and 128A Avenue at approximately 1:50 p.m. yesterday. It was reported that a bicycle, operated by a 55-year-old male, was travelling northbound on a service road east of 82 Street when it struck a 65-year-old female pedestrian who was walking southeast across the service road.
The woman was knocked down and sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision. EMS treated and transported the woman to hospital, where she passed away later that evening.
The EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation. Charges have not been laid at this time. Neither speed nor alcohol are believed to be factors in the collision.
Anyone who has information about the 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.
