The Edmonton Police Service’s Child Protection Section has charged a 28-year-old man in relation to an investigation involving a female minor.
On Monday, May 14, 2018, police were contacted by a citizen who located a phone at the Clareview Transit Station. The citizen reported the lost phone to Northeast Division and patrol officers made attempts to identify the owner of the phone.
Upon further investigation, police found evidence of child pornography on the device and commenced an investigation.
A search warrant was later conducted at the suspect’s residence and several items were seized for further investigation.
The 28-year-old male suspect is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, making child pornography, accessing child pornography and possession of child pornography.
The Edmonton Police Service is not providing the suspect’s name in order to protect the identity of the victim. The Zebra Child Protection Centre is also providing support and assistance to the victim.
“We are grateful for the citizen who turned this phone into police, as we believe they ultimately helped us put a stop to this serious child abuse,” says Detective Aubrey Zalaski, with the EPS Child Protection Section.
“Child exploitation is a very grievous crime and in many circumstances, we rely on the public’s help to hold suspects accountable,” says Zalaski. “Anyone who suspects a child is being abused or exploited should contact police immediately, under any circumstance. We also encourage anyone who comes across child pornography, to report it.”
The arrest was made following a collaborative investigation between the Edmonton Police Service’s Child Protection Section, ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and the Zebra Child Protection Centre.
Anyone who has information 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section is investigating a suspicious death following the discovery of a deceased male at the scene of a suspicious fire.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, May 30, 2018, EPS officers driving by a multi-unit residence in the area of 117 Avenue and 80 Street noticed smoke coming from the building. The officers immediately alerted the building’s tenants and contacted Edmonton Fire Rescue, who arrived within a few minutes.
A short time later, a deceased male was located in one of the building’s units.
Working alongside Edmonton Fire Rescue, EPS Arson Unit investigators have deemed the fire suspicious. The exact cause remains undetermined at this time.
Homicide detectives have now taken over the investigation into the suspicious death of the male.
There is no additional information available at this time.
Anyone with 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Medical Examiner has concluded an autopsy on the body of a deceased 20-year-old male discovered yesterday in southeast Edmonton.
The ME was unable to confirm the cause of death of Mason Montana Landry, 20, pending toxicology results. Landry’s body was found yesterday lying in bushes in the neighbourhood of Gold Bar.
The investigation is ongoing. No further details are available at this time.
Anyone who had contact with Landry recently, or knew of his whereabouts over the last week, is encouraged 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it serves an investigative purpose. Background:
Southeast Division patrol officers responded to an area near 103 Avenue and 42 Street in Gold Bar, at approximately 1 a.m., Monday, May 28, 2018, after receiving a 911 call from a resident in the area.
Upon arrival, officers were lead to the body of a male, which was found lying in some nearby bushes.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Tactical Response to Auto-theft Prevention (TRAP) team has charged 96 people with auto-theft related offences and recovered 100 vehicles so far in 2018.
So far this year, the TRAP team has laid a total of 457 charges against 96 individuals, solely in relation to auto-theft. The total value of the 100 recovered vehicles is estimated to be approximately $1.7 million.
“We continue to see a growing number of stolen vehicles involved in property crimes, home invasions and robberies across the city,” says Staff Sergeant Sid Kingma of the Economic Crimes Section. “The drivers of these stolen vehicles typically have little respect for the road, other motorists or police – in most cases, we’re seeing them drive recklessly to evade police, putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk.”
The TRAP team was launched on March 19, 2017 as the EPS noticed a significant increase in the number of reported stolen vehicles. Between March and December 2017, theteam recovered 221 stolen vehicles, made 187 arrests and laid 931 charges.
The TRAP team is a specialized unit which specifically addresses city-wide theft of motor vehicles, thereby focusing on the reduction of crime and victimization, while increasing public safety.
Below are some recent examples, as well as aerial footage, of crimes which involve stolen vehicles.
May 1, 2018 - Stolen vehicle involved in break-and-enter
On May 1, 2018 the TRAP team followed a stolen F350 from Edmonton to a rural property off Highway 16 with the assistance of the RCMP. When police flashed their lights, the F350 backed into a garage door and allegedly drove through a fence to evade police.
A short time later, police witnessed the same F350 at a property in the area of 52 Avenue and 50A Street allegedly committing a break-and-enter to a garage. When police arrived on scene, a male and female, both believed to have been in the midst of stealing another vehicle (Ford Escort), were taken into custody with the assistance of the EPS Canine Unit. Several identity documents, not belonging to either of the accused, were also located in one of the stolen vehicles.
Jeffrey Myles, 30,is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, criminal flight, possession of stolen property over $5,000, fraudulent concealment, possession of break and enter tools and other charges.
Christina Cherpak, 29,is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000 (x6), possession of identity documents (x2) and other charges.
May 2, 2018 - Stolen vehicle recovered with sawed-off shotgun
On May 2, 2018 police responded to the area of 74 Avenue and 96 Street on the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, TRAP members observed a Ford Fusion which has been reported stolen. Police followed the vehicle and observed it driving aggressively, before parking in the area of 74 Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive. With the assistance of the EPS Canine Unit, three individuals were taken into custody. Police located a sawed-off shotgun in the stolen vehicle.
Dustin Orvis, 30,is charged with various firearm related offenses, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and disqualified driving.
Bradley Almas, 18,and Christine Goshko, 19, are both charged with breach of conditions.
May 3, 2018 - Stolen vehicle involved in collision
On May 3, 2018 at approximately 11 a.m., a stolen Grand Prix was travelling westbound on 121 Avenue at 40 Street at a high rate of speed when it struck a Ford Ranger that was travelling northbound on 50 Street. The female passenger of the Ford Ranger was ejected from the vehicle and then pinned under the truck. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services was required to extract the female passenger from the scene and she was treated and transported to hospital by EMS with serious injuries. The female driver of the Ford Ranger sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The alleged 35-year-old male driver of the stolen vehicle remains under investigation. No charges have been laid at this time, however the investigation continues.
Damage to Ford Ranger following collision with stolen vehicle
May 16, 2018 – Stolen vehicle travelling at high rate of speed
Just after midnight on May 16, 2018, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a suspicious Dodge Caravan in the area of 97 Street and Yellowhead Trail. When members flashed their lights to conduct the traffic stop, the Dodge Caravan fled the area at a high rate of speed. Air1 assisted in monitoring the location and speed of the vehicle which was allegedly travelling close to 160 KM/hr in the area of 199 Street and Lessard Road. The driver eventually stopped for fuel when the TRAP team arrested the driver and passenger.
Cory Cloutier, 20,is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break and enter tools, dangerous driving and disqualified driving.
Koltyn Kittle, 20,is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Aerial footage from Air 1
The below video is a compilation of Air 1 footage from a variety of investigations, specifically involving stolen vehicles. The aerial footage demonstrates the potential dangers posed to citizens, when individuals are involved in the theft of vehicles. The footage also demonstrates the dangerous situations members are faced with on a regular basis, yet diligently trained for.
*Please note that this footage has been edited by EPS to protect the integrity of various investigations*
Below is statement from Chief Rod Knecht regarding his contract:
Over the past seven and a half years, I’ve seen the Edmonton Police Service become, what I believe is, the best police service in North America. I’ve worked with an outstanding group of professionals, both sworn and civilian, that strive every day to make Edmonton the safest major city in Canada.
As you all know, my contract ends on October 31, 2018. I released an internal message Wednesday afternoon to the entire Service, as I believed it was their right to hear first, directly from me, as opposed to learning of it on social media or otherwise. Given that any extension to my contract ultimately rests with the Edmonton Police Commission (EPC), I further wanted to respect their role of advising the community of the commencement of a search for the next Chief of Police. That occurred late yesterday morning.
As has been reported previously, the Commission and I have discussed the possibility of an extension to my contract. I provided them with correspondence outlining the rationale for the necessary timeframe required to further develop several initiatives that I would have liked to bring to a place of stability. These include:
Setting up a Cyber Crimes Strategy and increasing Cyber Crime investigative capacity for the Service;
Working with levels of government, philanthropists and the private sector in realizing a Community Wellness Centre;
Ensuring the successful launch of the Operations and Intelligence Command Centre (OICC) for the second quarter of 2019;
Seeing through two major capital projects including the Northwest Division Campus and new Administrative Building, during the first and second quarter of 2019; and,
Mentoring senior leaders to better prepare them to compete for the Chief of Police in mid-2019.
I also committed to assisting the EPC with the selection process for a new Chief of Police, which they anticipated to be up to a one-year process.
I calculated that to best advance these initiatives, and assist with the selection of a new Chief, it would take until the end of June 2019. This date was initially accepted by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the EPC, the week of March 26, 2018. Following a Commission meeting a few weeks later, they came back with a proposed contract extension to the end of March 2019. While my preference would have been to stay to progress these initiatives sufficiently, I didn’t believe that a five-month extension was enough time to adequately address them. I also felt it wouldn’t be in the best interests of the organization or the community to leave in the midst of such significant organizational change given that adjusted time frame. No other options were provided by the EPC, and as a result, I will be completing my existing contract, which concludes at the end of October, 2018.
Within the final five months of my contract, it is my intention to advance the Cyber Crime Strategy, continue work on the OICC, and continue to prepare the Service for Cannabis legalization. As well, I will work to prepare the organization for the transition to the next Chief of Police.
I am extremely proud of the many achievements of the Edmonton Police Service throughout my time as Chief of Police and the positive community support that I have experienced.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the homicide of a male in southwest Edmonton.
At approximately 1 a.m. yesterday, Thursday, May 24, 2018, Southwest Division police responded to reports of gunshots fired in the area of 111 Street and 23 Avenue. A short time later, it was reported that a 25-year-old male arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds. The victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital at approximately 6 a.m. yesterday.
Homicide Section has deemed the manner of death to be homicide. Detectives continue to investigate. An autopsy has been scheduled for this morning, Friday, May 25, 2018, at 9 a.m. No further information is available at this time.
Investigators encourage anyone with information about this suspicious death 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Police Service has issued arrest warrants for Ian Francis Whitford, 36, who allegedly breached her court-imposed peace bond.
The EPS Behavioral Assessment Unit issued four warrants for the high risk offender who failed to report to police.
Whitford, who is transgendered and goes by the name Leanne Whitford, is currently on the run and has four outstanding warrants for her arrest. Whitford is considered to be dangerous and should not be approached.
Whitfordis a convicted violent offender and the Edmonton Police Service has reasonable grounds to believe she will commit another violent offence while in the community.She is known to frequent the downtown area.
Anyone with information about Whitford’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online atwww.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
The Edmonton Police Service is issuing this information and warning after careful deliberation of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform the members of the community.
Warrants issued for High Risk Offender:
Ian Francis WHITFORD, 36
Also goes by the name Leanne Whitford
The EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred just after 1 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018.
ETS LRT security notified police that a pedestrian had been struck by a train travelling from Clareview Station, and that the pedestrian was confirmed deceased on scene. The collision took place approximately 200 meters north of the 137 Avenue overpass.
EPS Forensic Ident Services and the Medical Examiner’s office are in the process of identifying the deceased male.
MCIU will be reviewing video from the LRT once obtained, to assist in the investigation.
Anyone with information about the collision and the circumstances surrounding the 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged the 44-year-old owner of a south-side health food store with various drug trafficking offences.
Members of the EPS Southwest Division Special Projects Team began investigating the owner of the health-food business located near 34 Avenue and 99 Street, back in the winter of 2017, after it was reported to police that steroids were allegedly being trafficked out of that business.
Investigators were granted and subsequently executed a search warrant at that location, which led to the discovery and seizure of various drugs carrying an estimated street value of close to $105,000 (see seizure photos below).
Testosterone, 7.8 L and 1,000 pills - EST Street Value of $52,997
Boldenone, 50 vials - EST Street Value of $880
Trembolone, 152 vials - EST Street Value of $11,390
Stanozolol, 18 vials and 5,472 pills - EST Street Value of $13,450
Nandrolone, 41 vials - EST Street Value of $3,690
Hash, 90 pills - EST Street Value of $900
Hemp Oil, 210 pills and 20 vials - EST Street Value of $845
Drostanolone, 24 vials - EST Street Value of $2,160
Oxymetholone, 2,900 pills - EST Street Value of $5,220
Oxandrolone, 3,300 pills - EST Street Value of $9,900
Metandienone, 1,763 pills - EST Street Value of $3,526
Investigators have charged Sarbjit Kahlon, 44, with possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance (x9), trafficking a controlled substance (x2), possession of a controlled substance (x2)
Further charges may be pending under the Canada Food and Drugs Act.
Steroids seized from a Mill Woods health food store, following a recent investigation.
The EPS Major Collision Investigation Section is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle and driver involved in a serious hit-and-run collision over the weekend.
On Saturday, May 12, 2018, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a 23-year-old female was allegedly attempting to cross 48 Street and 12 Avenue when she was struck by a vehicle travelling northbound on 48 Street. The woman was treated and transported to hospital with serious, although non-life-threatening injuries. The driver then fled the area.
The vehicle believed to have been involved in the hit-and-run is being described as a black Acura MDX SUV, with a roof rack, chrome door handles and running boards.
Acura MDX allegedly involved in serious hit-and-run
Anyone with information about the driver or vehicle involved in this hit-and-run 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The Edmonton Police Service Robbery Section is seeking the public’s assistance to locate a robbery suspect, who is alleged to have committed nine robberies.
Investigators believe the male suspect is responsible for a series of robberies that were reported to police between Feb. 24 and April 9, 2018.
The majority of robberies were committed at fast food/take out restaurants and gas bars across southwest Edmonton, between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. In each case, the male suspect enters the business and either orders food or states he is there to pick up a food order, before brandishing a weapon and demanding cash and cigarettes.
Some of the businesses targeted are located near Ellerslie Road and 111 Street, Saddleback Road, Gateway Boulevard and 53 Avenue.
The suspect is described as being a heavy set Caucasian or Hispanic male, 30-45 years old, 5’9” to 6’0” tall and unshaven. He is usually seen wearing a dark-coloured ball cap, a dark blue hoody, sweat pants and dark shoes.
Anyone with information about this robbery series is encouraged 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 atwww.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
As part of Crime Prevention Week, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Constables will meet up with junior high students for a friendly barbecue and basketball game to talk about personal safety in a casual setting.
”We want to show youth that police officers are approachable and that encounters with the police are not always a negative interaction,” says Constable Rikan Farhat. “In fact, we hope to help and support youth in achieving their potential through positive police interaction."
The purpose of the event is to promote youth safety in public spaces and to provide a positive engagement opportunity for youth and EPS members. Rhea Bowman, Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) member and Youth Liaison with The Family Centre, says that events such as the barbecue and basketball game help connect youth with their community.
“Youth are a vital part of our community and they have contributions to make,” says Bowman. When youth feel a connection, and view police and others in the community as allies, they are more likely to ask for help and less likely to be victimized.”
Police recommend the following personal safety tips for youth when out in the community:
Always be aware of your surroundings – REMAIN ALERT
Wear one ear bud instead of two, so you can hear what is happening around you
Conceal your valuables (electronics, cash)
Walk in well-lit and busy areas
Partners in the event are: Clareview Community Recreation Center, John D. Bracco Junior High School, EPS, M&M Meats, The Family Centre and REACH Edmonton.
Crime Prevention Week is held annually in Edmonton, with a focus on ‘community as partners in crime prevention.’ This year several activities are taking place over the week to highlight some common crimes and prevention tips.
2018 Crime Prevention Week is organized by: Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, The Family Centre, United way of the Alberta Capital Region, Crime Stoppers and REACH Edmonton.
A 40-year-old male has succumbed to his injuries following a motorcycle crash earlier this month.
On Thursday, May 3, 2018, a 40-year-old male was travelling eastbound on Saskatchewan Drive from 116 Street when he allegedly lost control of his motorcycle. As a result, the driver and his bike skid several meters, striking a south side curb. The male was treated and transported to hospital by EMS with serious injuries.
On Friday, May 11, 2018, the 40-year-old male succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Neither speed or alcohol were factors in this collision.
This is Edmonton’s second traffic fatality of 2018.
The Edmonton Police Service has arrested and charged a 49-year-old Edmonton woman with forgery and theft in relation to the theft of funds from a local organization.
On March 23, 2018, West Division officers responded to a report of an assault involving employees at a west Edmonton organization in the area of 172 Street and 99 Avenue. While investigating the alleged assault, officers discovered that the 49-year-old female complainant, Jodi Zemrau, had outstanding charges related to the fraud of another local business in 2012.
Further investigation revealed that Zemrau reportedly applied for a position with the west Edmonton organization in October 2017 and when asked to provide a police information check, allegedly provided a false document. Upon further review of their financial information, the organization reported to police that from late December 2017 to late February 2018 Zemrau reportedly stole more than $5,000 from them by allegedly writing and cashing unauthorized cheques.
On April 19, 2018 police arrested and charged Zemrau with uttering a forged document, theft over $5000 and the outstanding charges related to the 2012 fraud, which include fraud over $5,000 (x3), uttering a forged document and theft under $5,000.
Police believe that Zemrau may have defrauded other organizations and are releasing her photo to encourage any additional complainants to come forward. Zemrau also operated under another alias and may be recognized as Kristina Milke.
Zemrauis described as 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 250 lbs.
Jodi Zemrau, 49
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 250 lbs
Police continue to investigate and encourage other complainants to contact them 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Thousands of 911 calls from concerned citizens have resulted in more than 200 motorists being charged with impaired driving in the first quarter of 2018.
“The EPS Curb the Danger program continues to play a vital role in assisting police in taking impaired drivers off city streets,” said Barney Stevens,EPS Curb the Danger Program Coordinator.
“Citizens have made more than 5,300 calls to police about possible impaired drivers in the first quarters of 2017 and 2018. It’s quite remarkable really. The vigilance from our community on impaired driving has been terrific.”
The Edmonton Police Service’s Curb the Danger program encourages concerned citizens totake the time to report erratic drivers to police via 911 or 377 on their mobile, who then quickly mobilize resources in an attempt to locate and remove intoxicated drivers from Edmonton streets.
The first quarter Curb the Danger numbers for 2017 and 2018 are as follows:
CURB THE DANGER STATISTICS, FIRST QUARTER 2018
YEAR
CALLS
IMPAIRED
SUSPENSIONS
LETTERS
2018 (1st quarter)
2546
204
90
204
2017 (1st quarter)
2779
180
100
185
If you suspect a driver is impaired:
Call 911 if it is safe to do so. Calling 911 in an emergency, or to report an impaired driver, is permitted while driving under the distracted driving law.
Report the location, vehicle description, and license plate number.
If possible, keep the vehicle in sight but do not attempt to chase the vehicle, or break the law to do so.
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a series of catalytic converter thefts from older model Honda CRVs after receiving numerous reports in recent weeks.
Since January 1, 2018, 83 occurrences of catalytic converter thefts have been reported citywide. In recent weeks, police are noticing a significant increase in catalytic converter thefts from Honda CRVs, with eight of these thefts occurring citywide since mid-April. Northeast Edmonton in particular has been the hardest hit, with seven of the eight instances of catalytic converter thefts occurring between April 19 and 30, 2018. Models built between 2003 and 2009 appear to be the primary targets.
Commercial parking lots and residential areas are the most commonly targeted locations, and thieves appear to be active during daytime hours.
While preventing the theft of catalytic converters can be challenging, investigators are advising drivers to park in well lit, highly visible locations with security cameras whenever possible, and report any suspicious activity in parking areas to police.
“The perpetrators appear to be crawling under the vehicles to cut the catalytic converters out,” says Sgt. Shelley Pinch, with Northeast Division. “Police are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity in parking areas, including individuals carrying power tools or loud noises consistent with the use of such tools, to contact police.”
Anyone who has information 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
The 22-year-old male wanted for escaping lawful custody was located early this morning, Thursday, May 10, 2018, at approximately 2:30 a.m..
Luke Belcourt, 22,was located outside a residence in the area of 140 Avenue and 117 Street where he was arrested without incident.
Formal charges are pending against the accused. No further information is available at this time as police continue to investigate.
Background
The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a male suspect who is wanted for escaping lawful custody, breach of recognizance(x3) and obstruction.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, Northwest Division patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle in the area of 141 Street and 121 Avenue.
Luke Belcourt, 22,was taken into police custody when he managed to flee the area on foot. At the time of Belcourt’s arrest, he was wearing a green jacket with black pants and was also wearing handcuffs.
The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a male suspect who is currently wanted for escaping lawful custody, breach of recognizance and obstruction.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, Northwest Division patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle in the area of 141 Street and 121 Avenue.
Luke Belcourt, 22,was taken into police custody when he managed to flee the area on foot. At the time of Belcourt’s arrest, he was wearing a green jacket with black pants and was also wearing handcuffs.
Belcourtstands 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 170lbs. He has light brown, wavy hair.
Police believe Belcourt to be in the Edmonton area.
Assist to locate: Luke Belcourt, 22
Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Luke Belcourt 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
A suspect wanted in relation to a west Edmonton shooting in March of this year has been arrested.
On Friday, April 27, 2018, Donovan Kyle Hancock, 32, was arrested in Valleyview by the Valleyview RCMP.
Hancockremains in custody and is charged on seven outstanding warrants related to the March 24, 2018 shooting in west Edmonton, including aggravated assault, discharge a restricted/prohibited firearm with intent, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possess a prohibited firearm (x2), careless use of a firearm and possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized.
The EPS would like to thank the RCMP, the public and the media for their assistance in locating Hancock.
Background
On Saturday, March 24 2018, police responded to a business in the area of 156 Street and Stony Plain Road for a trouble not known. On arrival, police were met by a 36-year-old male with gunshot wounds.
EMS responded, treated and transported the male to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He has since been released.
Following a thorough investigation, officers learned that a 36-year-old male was reportedly involved in an altercation with another male at the business during which a firearm was produced and he was shot.
On April 11, 2018, police issued a media release seeking the public’s assistance locating the shooting suspect, identified as Donovan Kyle Hancock, 32.
Hancockwas wanted on seven outstanding warrants related to this incident.
The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate a suspicious death that occurred Monday afternoon in southeast Edmonton.
Southeast Division patrol officers responded to a 911 disturbance call at a suite near 96 Avenue and 87 Street, at approximately 4 p.m, Monday, May 7, 2018.
Upon arrival, EPS members found a deceased 33-year-old female in the suite. Police have since taken a 41-year-old male suspect into custody. Homicide Section detectives have since taken over the investigation, and are now investigating the death as a domestic violence incident.
The suspect and deceased were known to one another, and have been estranged for several years.
Investigators continue to conduct interviews today, and charges are pending. No further information is available at this time. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.
Police encourage anyone with information regarding this incident 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 atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.
The male suspect wanted in relation to the death of a 25-year-old female in northeast Edmonton last week has been arrested.
Kenneth Richards, 35,was taken into custody without incident yesterday evening, Thursday, May 3, 2018, in the area of 24 Avenue and 107 Street. Richards has been charged with second-degree murder, housebreaking with intent, possess a prohibited loaded/restricted firearm, possess a prohibited firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm and breach of recognizance.
Homicide detectives continue to investigate.
Since issuing a news release seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richards, police received a great deal of information from the public, ultimately leading to his arrest. The EPS would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
There is no additional information available at this time.
Background
At approximately 1:50 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2018, Northeast Division officers responded to a weapons complaint in the area of 78 Street and 143 Avenue. It was reported to police that a male suspect, identified as Kenneth Richards, 35, allegedly broke into a residence in the area and, a short time later, a gunshot was reportedly heard.
Upon arrival officers found an injured 25-year-old female identified as Brittany Vande Lagemaat. EMS responded, treated and transported Vande Lagemaat to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
At the time, police suspected Richards may have fled to an address in the area of 143 Avenue and 82 Street; however, he was not located. Detectives confirmed thatRichardsand Vande Lagemaat were known to one another.
An autopsy was conducted by the Edmonton Medical Examiner and Vande Lagemaat’s cause of death was undetermined pending further testing; however, homicide detectives deemed the manner of death to be homicide.
On Wednesday, April 25, 2018, the EPS issued a news release seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richards, who was wanted on province-wide warrants.
Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS decided to release the name of the deceased as it served an investigative purpose.
A University of Alberta student who made bomb threats over social media has been charged.
At approximately 6:45 p.m. on April 19, 2018, University of Alberta Protective Services contacted police to report a post that had been discovered on the social media app, Chillabit. Posted April 17, 2018, the post threatened to blow up two university buildings on a future date, possibly identified as April 30, 2018.
As soon as the post was detected, University Protective Services and police investigated and continuously monitored campus buildings and found no evidence of any explosives on campus. An evacuation was not deemed necessary.
EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit was able to identify the suspect, who was arrested without incident on campus on April 21, 2018. Following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, police charged Ryan Fang, 20, with uttering threats and conveying a false message with intent to injure or alarm.
“Social media can give us the feeling of being anonymous and without consequence, but police take threats to public security very seriously,” says Det. Philip Hawkins with EPS Cyber Crime Investigations Unit. “This particular threat resulted in a large-scale police investigation of the student’s home that involved our tactical and bomb disposal units.”
The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 46-year-old man in relation to a 2015 homicide.
Following a lengthy investigation, Richard William Rockey, 46, has been charged with first degree murder in the May 2015 death of Randy Evans, 54.
Investigators believe Rockey stabbed Evans during an attempted robbery, resulting in his death.
With the assistance of Vancouver Police, Rockey was arrested by EPS Homicide Section detectives in Vancouver on Friday, April 27, 2018. He has since been transported back to Edmonton and remanded.
Background
At approximately 1:46 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, West Division officers responded to a call at 151 Street and 111 Avenue, where they found 54-year-old Randy Evans lying outside the front doors of the Aurora Hotel. At the time,investigators believed he was involved in an altercation.
Evanswas treated at the scene and immediately transported to hospital by EMS, but died several days later. An autopsy conducted by the Edmonton Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest. EPS Homicide Section deemed the manner of death to be homicide.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2015, police released information about an abandoned, stolen Dodge Durango that they believed was linked to the incident. It was later determined this vehicle was connected to the crime.
Two more suspects have been charged in relation to an altercation that led to the Jan. 17, 2018 death of Jarvis Katz.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018, Northwest Division patrol officers were called to a residence in the area of 118 Avenue and 80 Street after a drug-related altercation occurred between several individuals in the home. This altercation resulted in the stabbing death of Katz, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital two days later.
The Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on Jarvis Katz, 28, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018. It was determined that the cause of death was a stab wound, and the manner of death was homicide.
Charges have now been laid against two more individuals:
On Friday, April 20, 2018, Jonathan Sidney Burd, 48, was charged with second degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, and two breaches of probation.
Burd was incarcerated for unrelated offences at the time the charges were laid, which delayed the police investigation. Homicide detectives interviewed Burd on Friday, April 27, 2018 to complete the investigation into the murder of Jarvis Katz.
On Monday, April 30, 2018, Alexandra Friesen, 27, was arrested by Downtown Division patrol members in relation to the altercation that led to the death of Katz. She is charged with robbery and assault causing bodily harm against another individual who was also present in the home at the time of the incident.
As previously released by EPS Media Relations Unit on April 10, 2018, Douglas Ronald Hecht, 34, was arrested on Thursday, April 5, 2018 and charged with second degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public in relation to the death of Jarvis Katz.
Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS decided to release the name of the deceased as it served an investigative purpose.
The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public’s help locating a 50-year-old Edmonton man who was reported missing to EPS on April 25, 2018.
Dan William Levasseurwas last in contact with family at the end of March 2018. He is believed to have travelled to Red Deer, AB on April 2, 2018 where he has family but has not been in contact with them or anyone else.
Levasseur does not have a vehicle and his disappearance is out of character. He is believed to have last been in the area of 65 Avenue and 67 Street in Red Deer.
Levasseur is 5’10” tall, weighs 170 lbs., has brown eyes and brown hair, and may have been wearing a three-quarter length jacket and a back-pack.
Anyone with information regarding Levasseur’s whereabouts is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online atwww.p3tips.com/250.
Homicide Section has charged a 26-year-old man with manslaughter in connection with the death of a city man in west Edmonton last weekend.
An autopsy conducted by the Edmonton Medical Examiner Tuesday afternoon was unable to confirm the cause of death, at this time, pending further testing.
Police investigators, however, have determined the manner of death to be a homicide. As such, investigators have charged Branden John Morin, 26, of Edmonton, with one count of manslaughter.
The accused and 34-year-old victim were known to one another. This is Edmonton’s 10th homicide of 2018.
Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.
Background: At approximately 3:30 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018, West Division patrol officers responded to a disturbance call in the neighbourhood of Rosenthal, near 84 Avenue and 219 Street. Upon arrival officers found a 34-year-old male in medical duress lying on the street.
EMS responded, treated and transported the male to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Homicide detectives have since taken a male suspect into custody for questioning.
