The EPS would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.
from Media Releases https://ift.tt/3cga1Dy
This is a repository of media releases posted by the EPD. This site is not monitored nor affiliated with the EPD.
The EPS would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.
Wyatte Charlton, 25, may have been last seen at a Tim Horton’s in the area of 160 Street and 100A Avenue on Feb. 4, 2020 at around 10:15 p.m. He has ties to the Evansburg area, and police believe he may have been on his way there.
It is out of character for Charlton to be out of contact with family for so long, and police are therefore concerned for his welfare.
Charlton is 5’7” and weighs approximately 170 lbs. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and has tattoos on his forearms of the words “Savannah” and “Hunter.” He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, a sweater, gloves, and may have had a bag of clothing.
Missing Person: Wyatte Charlton, 25
Anyone with any information about Charlton’s disappearance 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.p3tips.com/250.
Last week, EPS investigators were notified by Ridge Meadows RCMP in B.C. that Lacarte had been arrested for mischief on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 in the Metro Vancouver Area. Police subsequently determined that Lacarte had been living under an alias in B.C.
Lacarte was transported to Edmonton, where he was charged with second degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020.
“The EPS is grateful to our RCMP counterparts for locating this suspect, thereby helping us to conclude this ongoing investigation and provide some resolution to the family and friends of Mr. Karahalios,” says Staff Sergeant Ryan Tebb, EPS Historical Crimes Section.
When police were unable to locate Lacarte following the issuing of Canada-wide warrants in 2014, the EPS also initiated a parallel missing persons investigation. Both the homicide and missing persons investigations remained active through the ensuing years.
Background
Just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 8, 2014, Downtown Division officers were called to the report of a deceased male at a residence in the area of 102 Avenue and 120 Street.
On Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2014, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy on the deceased, Demetrios Karahalios, 48. It was determined that the manner of death was homicide. The cause of death was not released.
On July 8, 2014, the EPS announced it had issued a Canada-wide warrant for Richard Lacarte for second-degree murder in connection with the death of Karahalios.
Krause failed to attend court, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
He is described as a white male, 5’10” tall and approximately 150 lbs. He has brown short hair, blue eyes and may have a beard. He was last seen wearing dark sweatpants and a blue hoodie.
Assist to locate: Jaremy Krause, 21
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 150 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Krause may be armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Investigators are urging anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the EPS directly 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.p3tips.com/250.
West Division patrol members located Emery John Cardinal, 35, lying on Stony Plain Road and 152 Street on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 18th. Police provided medical aid to the injured male prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. Paramedics then treated and transported the male to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
On Feb. 21, 2020, police arrested Jacob Alan Monninger Cullum, 18, in connection to Cardinal’s death.
On Feb. 25, 2020, Dante Ace Russo, 18, was also arrested in connection to Cardinal’s death.
Monninger Cullum and Russo have each been charged with one count of second-degree murder.
Investigators would still like to speak with any additional witnesses who may have been in the area that evening, or have information related to this investigation. Please 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.p3tips.com/250.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at approximately 8 p.m. Southeast Division officers responded to the report of a robbery at a fuel station in the area of 90 Street and 25 Avenue. It was reported to police that an unknown male entered the fuel station, pointed a gun at the employee working at the cash register and then discharged the firearm into the shelving behind the employee. The male then reportedly stole some merchandise, exited the store and fled the area in a small silver vehicle. The employee did not report any injuries.
At approximately 9 p.m. the same evening, officers were called to a personal robbery in the parking lot of a grocery store in the area of 90 Street and 25 Avenue. It was reported to police that a family was loading groceries into their vehicle when they were approached by an unknown male. The male reportedly stole a purse from an adult family member and then also fled the area in a small silver vehicle. The citizen did not report any injuries.
Investigators believe the two incidents are related and may involve the same suspect. As a result, they are releasing photos and a sketch with the hope that someone may recognize the suspect or the vehicle.
The suspect is described as a 5’8” to 6’0” tall male with dark hair. The male was reportedly wearing blue jeans, a black zip hoodie, a black ball cap and black and white sneakers.
Robbery suspect sketch
The vehicle is described as a 2004-2007 four-door silver Chevrolet Aveo with tinted rear windows and damage to the top facing left side of the trunk and rear facing right side of the trunk.
Suspect vehicle
Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle 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 at www.p3tips.com/250.
The two suspects are alleged to be responsible for a spree that began on Jan. 13, 2020 and involved at least 15 break-and-enters to apartment and condo building parkades and two break-and-enters to businesses.
It was reported to police that the suspects would gain access to the underground parking garages before smashing vehicle windows and removing valuables found inside. In three instances, vehicles were also stolen, all three of which have since been recovered.
Okimaw is facing 51 charges related to break-and-enter, while Dvorak faces 49 break-and-enter-related charges.
The EPS sent out a previous news release requesting public assistance to locate Okimaw and Dvorak on Feb. 14, 2020, when warrants were issued for their arrest.
Having recently completed their EPS academic training, Recruit Training Class (RTC) 147 now moves into field training, where they will have an operational role supporting patrol divisions across the city.
While many in the class have backgrounds in law enforcement, there are others who made significant career changes to pursue their dreams of becoming police officers.
These include a former firefighter, a paramedic, helicopter pilot, soldier, construction manager, a systems analyst, an elementary school teacher, a stay-at-home mom, and an Edmonton Prospects pitcher, to name just a few.
Their diverse skills, education, and life experiences will help EPS continue to serve our changing and growing community into the future.
Graduating from RTC 147 are 27 EPS officers (17 male, 10 female), as well as one Lacombe Police Service officer (male) who trained with the EPS.
Members of the public are invited to attend the graduation ceremony where the new constables will be presented with their diplomas and recognition awards.
The ceremony features a formal procession by the EPS Honour Guard, performances by the EPS Pipes and Drums and the EPS Chorus, flag and marching drills, and comments from EPS members and special guests.
Participating in the graduation ceremony will be Chief of Police Dale McFee, Chief Lorne Blumhagen from the Lacombe Police Service, MLA Searle Turton, Mayor Don Iveson, and Edmonton Police Commission Chair Micki Ruth.
EPS Graduation Ceremony
Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Edmonton City Hall, City Room
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
For more information on a career with the Edmonton Police Service, or to talk to a recruiter, please call 780-421-2233 (toll free at 1-866-777-0815) or visit www.joinEPS.ca.
While the two officers were speaking with the complainant at a nearby location in the area of 120 Street and 134 Avenue, the suspect returned to the area with the allegedly stolen vehicle.
A confrontation occurred between the suspect and police, and one of the officers discharged their service weapon. The suspect then exited the vehicle, at which time the officers arrested him. The suspect was not injured and has been taken into custody.
No EPS officers were harmed during this incident.
The EPS will not be providing further comment, as the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has since taken the lead in this investigation.
Charles Edward Beaudin, 52, was last seen in the Edmonton area on March 10, 2019. Beaudin’s family has not heard from him in several months and as such, there are concerns for his well-being. Investigators do not have any reason to believe he has met with foul play.
Beaudin weighs approximately 200lbs and stands 5’8”. He has black hair and brown eyes and is known to frequent the downtown core.
Missing Person: Charles Edward Beaudin, 52
The consultations mainly took place between July and October 2019 and included one on one interviews, small group interviews, focus groups, online surveys and social media.
“We received some very valuable feedback from the community and from our own members on how we can do better,” says Chief Dale McFee.
The feedback gathered internally and externally identified several gaps, and the EPS has identified some actions that aim to immediately strengthen and improve inclusivity, understanding, and communication with its own members and that of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
“Two of the main areas that were identified as needing our focus are recruiting and training. This is where our priorities are right now with a number of short-term goals, some of which have already been implemented and are being worked on,” says Chief McFee.
The EPS will build on its current inclusivity and bias awareness training by developing a new LGBTQ2S+ Recruit Training Module that will be centred around historic trauma, understanding marginalization and connecting with people’s experiences.
This comprehensive, mandatory professional development program for both sworn and civilian members will include participation from the external and internal LGBTQ2S+community. This training will leverage their experience and knowledge as part of the development and the delivery of the training, which is set to be piloted for the next recruit training class.
The Police Communications Branch will also undergo some changes in its inclusivity and bias awareness training. The first step in this process will be a review of the current training provided at hiring time, and the ongoing training members receive in inclusive language, identity and bias.
The LGBTQ2S+ community also expressed a desire and need to better understand what they can expect from police when attending an event and also how and why EPS responds to parades, protests and large public gatherings. In response to this, the EPS has created a Police Liaison Coordinator position in its Disaster and Emergency Operations section, who will work with the Inclusion and Equity Branch on providing communication and collaboration with community members around these events.
“This is a major step to building trust,” says Chief McFee. “This is a tool to help those with traumatic and negative experiences understand and prepare for situations that will involve the police, and how the police will present themselves, and their role.”
Other short-term changes include: modification in FOIPP request language to be gender inclusive, adjustment in the Detainee Management Unit (DMU) intake process to allow for non-binary and trans identification, as well as safer options for alternate medical screening and detainment. Also, the EPS will be working in collaboration with external stakeholders to build a more specific inclusivity strategy in Recruiting Unit in response to the feedback that the LGBTQ2S+ community wants to see more of themselves reflected in their police service.
The EPS has also developed long-term strategies around community participation, recruitment, training, accountability and leadership that will be rolled out over the next twelve months.
“This isn’t the end, but the beginning of our journey,” says Chief McFee. “We won’t always be perfect, we may make mistakes along the way, but this relationship is and will remain a priority for EPS.”
The full reports are available for viewing at www.epsinput.ca and the video is also available on the EPS YouTube channel here.
Shortly before 11 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, a West Division patrol member was travelling along Stony Plain Road at 152 Street, when he located an injured male on the road.
Police provided medical aid to the injured male prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. Paramedics then treated and transported the male to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Homicide Section detectives have since taken over the investigation. The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy earlier today. The cause and manner of death are being withheld at this time.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have been in the area or has information related to this investigation.
Please 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.p3tips.com/250.
At approximately 5:26 a.m. this morning, Feb. 15, 2020, EPS Northwest Division officers and Edmonton Fire Rescue responded to the report of a dispute and a fire at a residence in the area of 121 Avenue and 102 Street.
It was reported to police that a male entered a residence in the area and assaulted two females. He then reportedly lit the house on fire and fled the area on foot.
The two females, aged 31 and 72, were able to escape the home. EMS then treated and transported them to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. They remain in hospital at this time.
Investigators continue to search for the suspect male, identified as Jade Boskoyous, 33, and have issued several province-wide warrants for his arrest including, attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and arson.
Boskoyous is believed to be violent and dangerous and detectives are releasing his photo in an attempt to locate him.
Assist to locate: Jade Boskoyous, 33
Boskoyous is described as 5’9” tall with a medium build and dark hair.
Officers believe that Boskoyous and the two females are known to one another and that this is a domestic violence related incident.
Detectives continue to investigate. There is no additional information available for release.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Boskoyous is advised to not approach him and immediately call 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.p3tips.com/250.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, Downtown Division officers were called to the report of a stabbing at a shopping centre parkade in the area of 102 Avenue and 101 Street.
Upon arrival, officers found an injured 33-year-old female identified as Sheri Lynn Gauthier.
EMS responded, treated and transported Gauthier to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
An autopsy completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office this morning, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, determined that Gauthier died from sharp force injuries and the manner of death is homicide.
A male suspect, identified as Elliot Tyler McLeod, 33, was taken into custody in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Following investigation by the EPS Homicide Section, McLeod has been charged with second degree murder.
Police are not seeking any additional suspects.
There is no additional information available for release.
Northeast Division investigators issued warrants containing more than 90 charges earlier this afternoon for Brandon Okimaw, 25, and Caitlin Dvorak, 22, both of Edmonton. The two suspects are believed to be responsible for a spree of at least 15 break and enters to apartment/condo building parking garages and two businesses that commenced back on Jan. 13, 2020.
It was reported to police that the suspects would gain access to the underground parking garages, before smashing vehicle windows and making off with various valuables found inside. In three instances, vehicles were also stolen, all three of which have since been recovered.
Brandon Okimaw, 25, is facing 48 B&E-related charges, while Caitlin Dvorak, 22, is facing 40 B&E-related charges (see suspect photos below).
Okimaw is described as an Indigenous or white male, 18-25 years old, 160-180 pounds, short dark hair with a pierced right ear. Dvorak is described as a white female, 18-25 years old, 130-140 pounds, 5'9"- 6'0" with short hair. Both suspects have multiple tattoos on their hands.
Police encourage anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brandon Okimaw and Caitlin Dvorak 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.p3tips.com/250.
Brandon Okimaw, 25
Caitlin Dvorak, 22
In December 2019, the Edmonton Police Service conducted an investigation into a vape shop in the area of 118 Avenue and 95A Street known to be selling cannabis products without the required municipal and provincial licences.
On Feb. 12, 2019, the EPS issued four violation tickets to the vape shop for storing cannabis for sale (x2), and directly or indirectly selling or offering to sell cannabis (x2) under the provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. At $50,000 per ticket, the shop faces a combined total of $200,000 in provincial fines.
Further, store owner Alfonso Potestio, 35, and employee Megan Schultz, 23 are each facing charges of unlawfully possess cannabis for purpose of sale (x2) and unlawfully sell cannabis to an individual over 18 years of age (x2) under the federal Cannabis Act.
The shop was previously issued bylaw tickets for operating a cannabis business without a licence in August 2019, and the EPS is submitting a business licence review to the City of Edmonton.
“A legal market is a safer market, and it’s our job to enforce the laws that ensure the safe and regulated sale of cannabis,” says Const. Dexx Williams, EPS Cannabis Liaison. “We want to remind the public that if you’re selling any cannabis products without a licence, businesses can be fined up to $50,000, and individuals can face a fine of up to $10,000.”
To find licensed cannabis retailers, citizens should visit https://aglc.ca/cannabis/retail-cannabis/cannabis-licensee-search.
In 2019, two male complainants reported to police that they had been sexually assaulted by a piano teacher during private lessons. One complainant reported incident(s) that took place in March 2009, when that complainant was 15 years old. The other complainant reported incident(s) that occurred between November 2011 and November 2012, when that complainant was 18 years old.
Following an investigation by the Edmonton Police Service Sexual Assault Section, Daniel Shee Yin Chong, 61, was charged with two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual interference.
Chong has been released on an Appearance Notice with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 24, 2020.
Police believe there may be other complainants, and are encouraging them to come forward by calling the Edmonton Police Service 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.p3tips.com/250.
Daniel Shee Yin Chong, 61
“Some elements of community policing will never change, but resources are limited, so we need to find new ways to respond to the problems that continue to impact our citizens, strain our healthcare services, and overflow our criminal justice system,” says Police Chief Dale McFee.
“We cannot continue to do things the same way and expect a different outcome. We need to think differently, act differently, and take some risks if we want to see real results for the vulnerable people in the community.”
The Community Solutions Accelerator (CSA) is a ground-breaking new approach to public safety and well-being modelled on business applications that combine amalgamated data, artificial intelligence and machine learning to solve complex problems.
Using available data from a variety of sources, the CSA will focus on the interconnected challenges affecting Edmonton such as crime, addictions, homelessness, and mental health.
The data will be a roadmap for change, and while the solutions will benefit the safety and well-being of Edmontonians, they could potentially be applied to other communities across the country and around the world facing similar challenges.
“The CSA is an exciting venture with a lot of promise because it utilizes a very creative and different way of looking at problems that has yielded significant advances in other industries,” says Ashif Mawji, Chair of the Edmonton Police Foundation (EPF), who has helped to mobilize corporate interest and investment in the project and develop a governance model.
“This will be the first time that the entrepreneurial spirit in research and development will be harnessed to turn community challenges into opportunities for sustainable solutions. This is expected to provide numerous opportunities for commercial development and employment as well.”
Through the stewardship of the EPF, the CSA has attracted the talent and technology of corporate partners who share the vision of making Edmonton and Alberta safer, including the University of Alberta, ATB Financial, TELUS, and Motorola Solutions Canada.
Depending on the scope of the initiatives, partners will contribute numerous resources such as funding, lab space, IT infrastructure, technical support, research expertise, marketing and mentorship.
“TELUS is committed to leveraging our world-leading technology to enable remarkable human outcomes through safer, healthier communities,” says Jason Macdonnell, President of Security and Automation at TELUS. “We have long partnered with the Edmonton Police Service to ensure those that protect our communities have access to next-generation technology, and we are excited to strengthen that relationship as a founding partner of the Community Solutions Accelerator. Alongside the EPS and fellow founding partners, we look forward to delivering solutions to help create a brighter future for all Edmontonians.”
“Motorola Solutions has over 70 years of experience working with public safety agencies across Canada,” says George Krausz, President of Motorola Solutions Canada. “As a member of the Community Solutions Accelerator program, our experts in human-centered design and innovation will help prototype and evaluate solutions designed to enhance the community’s safety and well-being. We’re proud to be a part of this initiative with the Edmonton Police Service, TELUS and local organizations that will make a positive impact across Alberta.”
“This initiative truly exemplifies the meaning of working together for the greater good, and the University is excited to be part of the team,” says Matthais Ruth, Vice-President Research and Innovation, University of Alberta. “As research leaders in health, artificial intelligence, machine learning and social sciences, the accelerator is one more way we can employ our expertise and knowledge to develop new and innovative ways to improve public health and safety. The Community Solutions Accelerator also provides a place where our innovators can deploy Alberta-made technologies and solutions to solve challenges that have been identified in our communities.”
“At ATB Financial, our customers are our neighbours, our friends and our families,” says President and CEO, Curtis Stange. “Their success is our success and their struggles are ours too. That is why we relish every chance we get to strengthen our communities by supporting causes that make a real difference. We are excited to be a founding partner in the Community Solutions Accelerator as we search out innovative ways to identify and solve society's ongoing issues – and contribute to the greater good of Alberta.”
Because of the collaborative nature of the CSA and the sharing of large volumes of data, research initiatives will be ethical, transparent, and compliant with privacy legislation.
The CSA is believed to be the first of its kind in North America and will pioneer a human-centred and holistic approach to policing and community safety. It will be evaluated on how well its solutions mitigate harm to individuals and diminish criminal activities.
Chief Dale McFee adds, “We cannot solve anything in isolation. The Community Solutions Accelerator is driven entirely by the collaboration of our various communities and the data that is available.”
“Think about the diversity of ideas from all these different organizations, and what we can do when we work together and focus on the outcomes. This is our opportunity to make a quantum leap in policing, and to take community safety and wellness into the next century.”
Casey Edward Badger, 29, was last seen at his residence near 147 Avenue and 122 Street NW, on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.
Badger is required to take prescribed medication for a health condition and hasn’t taken it since going missing. Due to his potential mental state, the cold weather and the length of time he has been missing, Badger is thought to be at significant risk.
He was last seen wearing a black Nike hoodie and black sweatpants, black and green running shoes and had a brown blanket embroidered with animals in an indigenous art style with him. He also has a tattoo of a cross under his left eye and may be wearing glasses.
Anyone with any information about Badger’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 www.p3tips.com/250.
Missing: Casey Edward Badger, 29. Badger may be carrying a blanket embroidered with indigenous animal designs on it (above right).
Dhiblawe (see photo below) is alleged to be responsible for the death of Mohamed Ahmed Makaran, 32, who was shot and killed in an apartment suite on McConachie Boulevard this past weekend, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.
Earlier today, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy into Makaran’s death, confirming the 32-year-old male died from a gunshot wound with the manner of death being homicide.
Dhiblawe, of Toronto, is believed to be armed and dangerous, and as such, investigators are urging the public to not engage with him should they see Dhiblawe, but rather to contact EPS directly.
Anyone with information regarding this homicide or Dhiblawe’s whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS immediately 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.p3tips.com/250.
Background:
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at approximately 11 p.m., Northeast patrol members responded to a weapons complaint at an apartment complex on McConachie Boulevard. Upon arrival, patrol officers discovered a deceased 32-year-old-male inside a suite.
Wanted for murder: Mohamud Dhiblawe, 29
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at approximately 11 p.m., Northeast patrol members responded to a weapons complaint at an apartment complex on McConachie Boulevard.
Upon arrival, patrol officers discovered a deceased 32-year-old-male inside a suite. Homicide Section investigators have since taken over the investigation. An autopsy has yet to be scheduled by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with any information in relation to this suspicious death 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.p3tips.com/250.
The secure web-based tool, which lets individuals choose whether they submit their report for investigation or information, captures details and forwards them directly to the EPS Sexual Assault Section.
Online reporting assists in instances where sexual assault has occurred more than seven days prior and there is no longer any physical evidence to collect. Previously, individuals could report historic assault to a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) nurse or the EPS non-emergency telephone number. Though the non-emergency line remains the primary way to report, the addition of a web-based tool makes reporting more accessible for some. EPS hopes that providing another option encourages victims to come forward.
“Every year a large number of sexual assaults go unreported,” says Staff Sgt. Terrie Affolder, with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “If we can make it easier for just a few of those victims to share with us, we’ll consider this a success. Walking into a police station can be difficult, so giving victims the ability to choose when and how they report makes us hopeful we’ll hear from them.”
When using the tool, victims can choose to submit their report for information until they’re ready to proceed with an investigation. Only when they submit the report for investigation will they be contacted by an officer for follow-up.
“When a person experiences sexual assault, their power is taken from them. One of the most important things we can do to help survivors reclaim that power is give them options about what happens next,” says Mary Jane James, Chief Executive Officer of the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton. “We’re optimistic that this new online reporting option will increase the likelihood that a person will feel comfortable enough to come forward.”
Similar web-based systems for reporting sexual assault have been developed by Windsor and Hamilton Police Services. EPS soft-launched its tool at the end of 2019 as an expansion of its existing online crime reporting program that began in 2013. The tool will be monitored over the next several months to measure its performance.
If assault has happened within seven days and evidence may need to be collected, victims are encouraged to call the EPS non-emergency number (780-423-4567) or see a SART nurse at the nearest hospital. Assault happening outside of Edmonton city limits should be reported to the local police agency in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred.
Report a Sexual Assault Online
Sexual Assault Online Reporting FAQ
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE)
Backgrounder
Edmonton sexual assault statistics
EPS online crime reporting
The officer, who was in the area conducting other investigations, observed a male youth being robbed at gunpoint by another youth.
The officer called NE patrol for response. As patrol was setting up containment at the scene, the suspect came out of a townhouse and a confrontation ensued between the suspect and officers, which resulted in one of the members discharging his service weapon.
The youth suspect sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and taken to hospital.
No officers were harmed during this incident.
The EPS will not be providing further comment, as the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has since taken the lead in this investigation.
Opie is described as 6’, 240 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes, heavy build, and was last seen with facial scruff and short/shaved hair.
He was wearing a black hat, black jacket, dark pants, white runners and was carrying several bags. He was last seen in the area of 137 Avenue and 40 Street on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020 at approximately 6:40 p.m.
The Edmonton Police Service considers Opie to be a risk to the public and the police, and he should not be approached.
Members of the public who have information regarding Opie’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service immediately.