Victim identified in fatal hit-and-run

The Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy yesterday, June 29, 2020, on a man who was fatally injured in a hit-and-run last week.

The victim has been identified as Rajan Baraich, 31. The cause of death is not being released at this time for investigative reasons. The manner of death remains under investigation.

Homicide investigators are still looking to speak with anyone who may have information related to the incident, as well as dash camera footage from vehicles travelling in the area of 107 Avenue and 102 Street between 1:05 a.m. and 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020. 

Background

On Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 1:20 a.m., police responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision between a vehicle and a male on 107 Avenue between 101 and 102 Street.

Upon arrival, officers located a 31-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. He was treated and transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. 

Investigating officers learned that there was an altercation prior to the collision, and the death was deemed suspicious. Homicide Section took over the investigation. 

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EPS launches CCTV pilot project focused on increasing public safety and solving crime

Next month, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) will be testing closed-circuit television (CCTV) during a 6-month pilot project.

As of July 2nd, citizens can expect to see new cameras installed throughout the City with marked EPS signage. The project will utilize CCTV in a number of locations across the city that have been identified as large gathering sites or locations where crime has frequently occurred. The cameras will not be deployed within residential neighborhoods and are owned and operated solely by the EPS.  

“CCTV can be a very valuable tool when it comes to identifying suspects in a crime, protecting your property or business, and ensuring public safety,” says Acting Inspector Kelly Rosnau with the Operations & Intelligence Command Centre. “Major cities across the world utilize this kind of technology to respond to major events and situations in real-time, making their policing strategies and investigations more effective.”

Example of CCTV camera in Old Strathcona

Example of visible signage accompanying cameras

 “The CCTV cameras only capture information relevant to law enforcement investigations and video is only available to officers for a 24-hour period,” says Rosnau. “That means that unless the video is pulled for a specific investigation within that timeframe, it wouldn’t be backed up and kept on the system – it would be lost.”

The CCTV cameras will only be accessible by staff within the EPS’ Operational Intelligence Command Centre (OICC) during major events or for requests made by police officers investigating a crime in an area that is monitored by CCTV.

It’s imperative for law enforcement to stay innovative and on top of emerging technologies as crime continues to occur. For example, in the last few years, between 2017 and 2019, theft over $5,000 has risen 59 per cent, theft from vehicles has risen 15 per cent and assault has risen almost eight per cent. 

“This technology will help us continue to maintain and ensure the safety of our citizens,” says Rosnau.

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was submitted to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta in 2019 to outline the pilot project and ensure all privacy considerations are addressed through legislation.

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Homicide detectives seek witnesses, video in hit-and-run

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of a male. 

Yesterday, Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 1:20 a.m., police responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision between a vehicle and a male on 107 Avenue between 101 and 102 Street.

Upon arrival, officers located a 31-year-old male with life-threatening injuries. He was treated and transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries today.

Investigating officers learned that there was an altercation prior to the collision, and the death has been deemed suspicious. Homicide Section has since taken over the investigation. This event is not believed to be random.

Investigators are looking for witnesses to the incident and dash camera footage from vehicles travelling in the area of 107 Avenue and 102 Street between 1:05 a.m. and 1:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2020.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2020. No further information is available at this time.

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EPS asking for public's assistance in locating missing man

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Missing Persons Unit is asking the public for any tips about a 37-year-old man who was reported as missing on May 23, 2020 and last seen on April 29, 2020. 

Travis Hollar is known to frequent the inner city and Northeast Edmonton and his disappearance is out of character. Hollar is 5’7”, 160 lbs, with brown hair (shaved) and blue eyes. He has a tattoo on his right forearm of the name ‘Travis’ and a tattoo on his left forearm of a marijuana leaf with the word ‘Loyal’ inside.  

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2v6hQKW asking for publics assistance in locating missing man

Public information and warning: Violent offender released

In the interest of public safety, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is issuing the following warning; Jared Soosay, 24, is a convicted violent and sexual offender, and the EPS has reasonable grounds to believe he will commit another violent offence against someone while in the community. 

Soosay will be residing in the Edmonton area. The EPS is seeking a court order on Soosay and he will be monitored by the EPS’ Behavioral Assessment Unit.

Soosay’s risk of offending behavior increases significantly if under the influence of intoxicants.  He has been known to use weapons during the commission of his offences.  Soosay also has a history of intimate partner violence, including sexual violence.

Soosay has been placed on a series of court ordered conditions, including:

• He must live at a residence approved by the Provincial Court or his Supervisor, and must not change that address until he has received written approval from his Supervisor.
• He must abide by a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, unless a varied time is approved in writing by his supervisor.
• He will not have any guests at his residence during his hours of curfew unless they have been identified and approved by his supervisor.
• He must not purchase, possess or consume any alcoholic beverages. He must not consume or possess any drug listed in the schedule of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including any prescription drugs not prescribed to him or any other intoxicating substances, with the exception of cannabis.
• He will not have or allow any other person to have alcohol or cannabis products at his residence.
• He must not possess any drug paraphernalia such as crack or marijuana pipes, self-made pipes of any kind, e-cigarettes, bongs, water pipes, syringes or cigarette papers other than rolling papers for cannabis use.
• He must not be in any licensed premise other that a dining room for the sole purpose of have a meal. Must not attend at any liquor store.
• He must not travel out of the City of Edmonton without written approval of his supervisor or the Provincial Court of Alberta.
• He must immediately report to his Supervisor or designate any motor vehicle he may acquire or have access to including the year, make, model, VIN and license plate number.
• He must not be in possession of weapons of any kind, including knives (except in his residence or at a restaurant for the sole purpose of consuming a meal), bear spray or dog spray, firearms, ammunition, explosive material, or any weapons whether homemade or otherwise.
• He must not enter into a dating, intimate, or sexual relationship with any female or any friendship with a female until her identity has been disclosed to his Supervisor or designate. The female is to be informed of his previous offending by his Supervisor or designate.
  
  

Anyone with any information about any potential breaches of these conditions by Soosay is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567.

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.

 

Name: Jared Owen Soosay, 24

Height:5’8”

Weight:153 lbs

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black 

Members of the public are advised that the intent of this process is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures. Releasing this information is NOT intended to encourage people to engage in any form of vigilante action.

This information is released under the authority of the FOIP Act, RSA 2000, C. F-25.

The information in this release is that which was verifiable prior to the release time indicated. Continued investigation and review could result in additional information or clarification.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/3i2jEsq

Man charged in relation to 2018 homicide

The EPS Homicide Section has laid charges against a man in relation to the 2018 death of Virgil Quinn, 36. 

On Jun. 23, 2020, Clayton Dennis Cardinal, 36, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in relation to this homicide.

The cause of Quinn’s death was determined to be blunt head trauma.

No further information is available at this time.

Background

At approximately 9:40 p.m. on Oct.17, 2018, police were called to an alley near 118 Avenue and 82 Street, where Virgil Quinn, 36, was found in medical distress.

Quinn was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He succumbed to his injuries on Oct.18, 2018.

An autopsy conducted on Oct. 19, 2018 determined the manner of death to be homicide. At the time, the cause of death was withheld for investigative reasons.

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Police locate Joshua Bambush in relation to shooting

The Edmonton Police Service has located and arrested 31-year-old Joshua Bambush who was wanted in relation to his involvement in a shooting earlier this year.

On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, just after midnight, police were called to a residence in the area of 112 Avenue and 86 Street on the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located a 32-year-old man who had been shot. The male victim was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with life-threatening injuries.

Police identified Bambush as a suspect during the investigation and issued a news release on Friday, May 29, 2020 seeking his whereabouts. Bambush was arrested on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, and as of Wednesday, June 24, is facing several charges including robbery with a firearm and several other firearm offenses in relation to this shooting investigation.

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Police seeking public's assistance identifying driver

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a driver and a vehicle involved in a collision that took place in southwest Edmonton.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, police responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of 41 Avenue SW and 50 Street. At approximately 9:40 a.m., a motorcycle was reportedly travelling northbound on 50 Street approaching 41 Avenue SW when a large gravel dump truck turned left from 41 Avenue SW eastbound onto 50 Street northbound and into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle reportedly collided with the rear of the gravel dump truck and then slid off the roadway while the gravel dump truck continued northbound on 50 Street.

EMS responded, treated and transported the 31-year-old male motorcyclist to hospital with non-life -threatening injuries where he remains.

“At this time, we are not sure the driver of the gravel dump truck is aware that a collision took place,” says Sgt. Travis Cruise with the EPS Major Collision Investigations Section. “As a result, we are looking to speak with any gravel dump truck drivers or witnesses that may have been in the area around 9:40 a.m. yesterday morning.”

Anyone with information about the vehicle, driver or collision is asked to contact the EPS complaint line at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile device. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

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ASIRT investigating after man found unresponsive in holding cells

On June 23, 2020 at approximately 4 a.m., EPS Southwest Division officers responded to a trouble with person call at a gas station in the area of 51 Avenue and 122 Street. It was reported that a male who appeared to be intoxicated by drugs had entered the gas station and was behaving in an agitated manner.

Police took the approximately 40-year-old male into custody under section 115(2) of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act and placed him in a holding cell in Southwest Division.

At approximately 7 a.m., the detainee was found unresponsive in his cell. EMS was immediately called, and pronounced the male deceased on scene. The identity of the male has not yet been confirmed.

The Director of Law Enforcement was notified and has directed ASIRT to lead the investigation into this death. Therefore, the EPS will not be providing further comment.

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Police seek public's assistance identifying suspects in drive by shooting

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance identifying suspects in a reported drive by shooting that took place in west Edmonton last month.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, police responded to the report of a shooting in the area of 110 Avenue and 127 Street. It was reported to police that at approximately 8:47 a.m. that morning, two vehicles, a black Hyundai Elantra and a dark coloured Hyundai Sonata, stopped next to one another at the intersection of 125 Street and 110 Avenue. A heated verbal exchange reportedly took place between the occupants of both vehicles. The Elantra then reportedly drove away westbound on 110 Avenue followed closely by the Sonata. Moments later, residents in the area of 127 Street and 110 Avenue reported hearing gunshots. To date, no injuries have been reported.

Investigators are releasing photos and a video of the vehicles in hopes that someone may recognize them and come forward with information on the incident or suspects. Residents in the area who may have dash cam or home security footage that was active at that time are also encouraged to contact police.

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Sonata

The vehicles are described as a black 2017-2018 model Hyundai Elantra (SEL trim) with damage to the front passenger grill and headlight and a dark coloured 2015-2017 model Hyundai Sonata (limited trim). The occupants are described as black males.

Anyone who has information about this shooting is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/3136ANl

EPS asking for public's assistance in locating missing man

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Missing Persons Unit is asking the public for any tips about a 45-year-old man who was reported as missing on June 5, 2020. Steven Woytowich, 45, was last heard from in late February of this year. 

Woytowich is known to frequent the 118 Avenue area, Kingsway neighbourhood, Whyte Avenue and Gateway Blvd./45 Avenue area.  Woytowich is 5’4”, 149 lbs, with brown hair and green eyes. He has a tattoo on his left forearm of a lady on a mushroom.

Steven Woytowich

 

Anyone with information regarding Woytowich’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com/250.

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Police make arrest in major catalytic converter theft series

A four-month extensive EPS investigation has culminated with multiple charges being laid against a 24-year-old Edmonton man in connection to a major theft ring that generated hundreds-of-thousands of dollars from the theft and sale of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles across the city. 

In March 2020, investigators initially became aware of a covert operation involving multiple individuals cutting off catalytic converters from vehicles and selling them to a primary suspect, 24-year-old Tekie Awte.

Throughout the investigation, Awte was observed conducting numerous transactions with individuals in back alleys and parking lots across the city. In most instances, the individuals were observed placing catalytic converters and/or duffle bags suspected of containing catalytic converters into the back of trucks being driven by Awte.

Subsequent investigations led investigators to what appeared to be a “stash pad”, a storage locker in northeast Edmonton, where Awte was allegedly storing the converters, prior to selling them to a recycler(s).

On Friday, June 11, 2020, at approximately 2:30 p.m., investigators observed the accused loading up a large trailer at the storage locker, before travelling west on the Yellowhead. EPS members intercepted Awte, taking him into custody on Highway 16 near Spruce Grove.

Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant for the rental trailer where they discovered 462 catalytic converters (see attached photo of some of the converters) with an estimated recycling value of more than $300,000.

“Our members showed exemplary commitment to maintaining surveillance, arresting and charging this individual,” said EPS Staff Sgt Steven Chwok. “The investigating members are well aware of the financial burden citizens have experienced replacing these converters on their vehicles,” said Chwok, noting the victimization cost (based on an average CC replacement cost of $2,000) is approximately $900,000.

“This individual was preying on people who have been struggling to stay afloat financially right now, many of whom have been laid off or out of work as a result of COVID-19. We hope this sends a strong message to others in our community, who might conduct themselves in a similar way.”

Tekie Awte, 24, of Edmonton, has been charged with trafficking stolen property, possession of stolen property for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime (proceeds of crime) and money laundering.  

More than 1,000 catalytic converter thefts have been reported to EPS since October 2019.

Some of the 462 catalytic converters recovered during a lengthy investigation, which culminated with the arrest of Tekie Awte, 24, of Edmonton on June 11, 2020

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Public information and warning: Man accused of kidnapping and sexual assault on child released

In the interest of public safety, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is issuing a warning regarding 37-year-old Wade Stene who is charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of a child.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, an eight-year-old girl was walking home from a residence in the area of 144 Street and 110 Avenue at approximately 5:30 p.m. when she was approached by a vehicle unknown to her. Stene allegedly pulled the young girl into his vehicle, sexually assaulted her and dropped her off nearby. Stene and the eight-year-old were not known to one another.

The EPS believes Stene poses a significant risk of harm to the community, particularly against individuals under the age of 16. As such, the EPS believes there is a duty to warn the public.

Stene is now residing in the McQueen neighborhood in Edmonton after being discharged from the Edmonton Remand Centre on a Release Order today, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, under the following conditions:

• Required to wear a tracking ankle bracelet
• Remain at his identified residence 24 hours a day
• Any travel for medical and legal appointments must be pre-approved by his bail supervisor
• No contact with anyone under the age of 18
• Refrain from the purchase, possession, use or consumption of alcohol and/or any non-prescribed controlled substances within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)

 

The EPS 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 members of the community.

Stene is described as a white male, 6’2" tall and weighing approximately 150 lbs. He has short brown hair and hazel eyes. Stene may alternate between having facial hair and remaining clean shaven.

Accused: Wade Stene, 37 

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/3fCHnNE 17

Firearms Unit seizes gun, lays nine charges in Parkland area investigation

The Edmonton Police Service has laid nine charges against one man after search warrants were executed at two addresses in the Wabamun area.

In recent weeks, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) uncovered information about illegal firearms being stored at a property in Darwell, AB.

On June 11, 2020, the EPS, with the assistance of the RCMP Parkland Detachment, executed two search warrants at addresses in Wabamun, AB and Darwell AB.

As a result of this investigation, police seized a .45-calibre loaded stolen handgun, three loaded magazines and three ounces of methamphetamine.

James William Kosik, 32, faces nine charges:

• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
• Possession of restricted firearm with ammunition
• Possession of weapon obtained by crime
• possession contrary to prohibition order (x3)
• fail to comply with release order (x2)
• possession for the purposes of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
  
  

“The safe and successful conclusion of this investigation was the result of cooperation between numerous EPS and RCMP teams, including EPS Surveillance, EPS Flight Ops, RCMP Parkland Detachment, RCMP Emergency Response Team, RCMP Bomb Squad, RCMP RPACT and RCMP Air Services,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart, with the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit.

The EPS Firearms Investigation Unit was developed in 2019 as part of the EPS’ Gun Crime Violence Reduction Strategy.  FIU is mandated to reduce gun crime and community harm by investigating individuals, gangs and organized crime groups involved in, but not limited to, the illegal possession, use, altering, trafficking and manufacturing of firearms. 

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Brintnell death deemed a homicide

Homicide Detectives continue to investigate the death of a man who was shot in the Brintnell neighbourhood in the early morning hours of June 13, 2020.

Detectives are asking citizens who may have any dash cam footage from the area between 8 p.m. on June 12 until 1:30 a.m. on June 13. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on June 13.

“We have information that the vehicle and suspect(s) may have been circulating between 167 Avenue, Manning Drive and Brintnell Blvd.,” says Det. Jared Buhler of Homicide Section.

“We are specifically interested in any dash cam video from Brintnell Blvd., 167 Avenue and 55 Street.”

The autopsy was completed this morning on the victim, Samer Farzat Chehimi, 34, and the Medical Examiner has determined that Chehimi died from multiple gunshot wounds.

 Detectives believe the stolen red Ford Expedition travelled north on Brintnell Blvd. after fleeing the scene, turned west onto 167 Avenue and then proceeded north onto 55 Street. The EPS is releasing a video of the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene right after the shooting.

Detectives are also asking gas station employees to contact police if they saw the vehicle at their business any time before the homicide occurred. 

Detectives also continue to seek information about the vehicle’s whereabouts and would like to speak with anyone who saw the suspect vehicle parked on a roadway, or in front of a business or a house between June 1 and June 13, 2020.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2CfyZFJ death deemed a homicide

EPS officer charged with assault

An Edmonton Police Service (EPS) member was charged today, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in relation to an incident that occurred in August 2019.

Const. Michael Partington, a 4-year member with the EPS, has been charged with one count of assault pursuant to Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The charge stems from an arrest that took place in the area of 115 Avenue and 95 Street on Aug. 27, 2019.

The constable was released via an Appearance Notice and has since been relieved from duty without pay.

The charges follow an in-depth investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch (PSB) that was initiated by the receipt of a video on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2019. Upon completion of the investigation, PSB concluded that the level of force described in the police report was not consistent with the force observed in the video and, on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, referred the investigation to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary to determine if a criminal charge was warranted. On Friday, June 12, 2020, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services recommended a criminal charge be laid against Cst. Partington.

As the matter is currently before the courts, the EPS is not able to provide further comment or information about the incident or investigation.

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Don't let abuse tarnish the golden years

Today, June 15, 2020, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and our community partners are recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

In response to the increase of elder abuse incidences in Edmonton, EPS, along with the partner agencies of the Edmonton Seniors Protection Partnership (SPP), is encouraging the public to learn the signs of abuse and help ensure the well-being of the city’s older adults. SPP is a collaboration of EPS, the City of Edmonton, Catholic Social Services, Covenant Health, and Sage Seniors Association.

Preventing and responding to elder abuse by raising awareness and addressing high risk cases of abuse is the focus of the SPP. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as the financial exploitation or neglect of an older person. Last year, SPP responded to 291 reports of elder abuse, an increase of more than 40 per cent over 2018.

“The increase in the number of reports of elder abuse is an indicator that more seniors and those who care about them are speaking out,” said Det. Alfred Ma of the Senior Protection Unit of the EPS. “That is the first step to ending the abuse. It is also why it is so important that we grow the conversation. To create awareness of the signs of elder abuse and to confront that abuse as a community because elder abuse hurts us all.”

According to SPP’s 2019 data, 76 per cent of Edmonton’s abused elders were victimized by an adult child or family relative. However, abusers may also include friends, care-givers or others who are in a position of trust or authority. 

"Seniors often face significant barriers when seeking help or support," said Sarah Ramsey, Community Social Worker with Seniors Protection Partnership, City of Edmonton. “If the abuser is a family member, older adults may hesitate to reach out, out of a sense of loyalty. They may also fear a person in a position of control or authority like a caregiver; or feel embarrassed or ashamed.”   

Some of the signs of a person experiencing abuse include:

• Discrepancies between a person's standard of living and his/her financial assets, or a depletion of assets, without adequate explanation.
• Malnourishment and inadequate physical care.
• Physical injuries, such as bruises, burn marks, welts, rope burns, tufts of hair missing, broken bones, none of which can be adequately explained.
• Withdrawn, apathetic or fearful behaviour, particularly around certain persons.
• Medical needs not attended to.
  
  

If you believe someone is experiencing abuse, call, or encourage them to call the police complaint line at 780-423-4567. For resources and information regarding senior abuse, call 211 or the 24/7 helpline at 780-454-8888. For reporting and consultations regarding senior abuse, call the Elder Abuse Intake Line: 780-477-2929. If an older person is in imminent danger at the hands of an abuser, call 911.

For more information, visit: https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/ElderAbuse.

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Police investigating fatal collision

Homicide investigators charge St. Albert man with murder

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 23-year-old man with second-degree murder in connection to the death of Breianna Schamber last December.

Southwest patrol officers responded to a call for assistance from EMS at a residential address near 35 Avenue and 107 Street in the neighbourhood of Duggan, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.

Upon arrival, police found 25-year-old Breianna Schamber deceased inside the residence. Autopsy results confirmed the cause of death to be strangulation and the manner of death to be homicide.

On Thursday, June 11, 2020, EPS Homicide Section detectives arrested and charged Hunter Alexander Duncan, 23, with second degree murder.

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Three arrested, more than 200 charges laid in drug and weapons investigation

An Edmonton man and two women are facing multiple charges in connection to drugs, weapons and stolen property after a search warrant was executed at a north Edmonton address last month.

In early May, police received a call about suspicious activity at a residence in the area of 138 Avenue and 64 Street. Following a week-long investigation, the EPS Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) Unit conducted a search warrant at the address on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Upon completion of their search, investigators uncovered a variety of weapons and ammunition, including two rifles, three shot guns, a stolen pistol, two CEWs, a compound cross-bow and 1,100 rounds of ammunition. Drugs including heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine, GHB and codeine were also seized.  Officers also located six stolen credit cards, 26 pieces of ID and more than $24,000 in stolen property and cash, including three mountain bikes, three computers and more than $7,600 in Canadian currency. One of the computers included a laptop that was reported stolen from the Alberta Legislature in April.  Photos of some of the items seized are included below.

Ryley Hoffman, 34, Paige Nelson, 25, and Melonie Hoffman, 50, are facing a combined total of 209 charges, including possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition readily accessible, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a stolen credit card and possession of an identity document.

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Public information and warning: Sexual offender released

In the interest of public safety, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is issuing the following warning; Curtis Poburan, 51, is a convicted sexual offender and the EPS believes he poses a significant risk of harm to the community, particularly against someone under the age of 16. As such, the EPS believes there is a duty to warn the public.

Poburan is residing in the Edmonton area after having completed his sentence and term of probation; he is no longer bound by any conditions or form of supervision.

Poburan is a diagnosed pedophile with a history of sexual offences against male children and attempting to lure them from parks and public areas. Poburan was recently subject to a public complaint where he was observed to approach children in Gariepy Park (17404 57 Avenue).   

The EPS 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.

Anyone with any information regarding Poburan can contact the EPS at 780-423-4567.

Name: Curtis Allan Poburan, 51
Height: 5'11"
Height: 175 lbs
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Brown

Members of the public are advised that the intent of this process is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures. Releasing this information is NOT intended to encourage people to engage in any form of vigilante action.

This information is released under the authority of the FOIP Act, RSA 2000, C. F-25.

The information in this release is that which was verifiable prior to the release time indicated. Continued investigations and review could result in additional information or clarification.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2BYM2LA

Homicide investigators seek public’s assistance to identify person of interest in connection to Lisa Arsenault murder

Edmonton Police Service Homicide investigators are releasing surveillance images regarding a person of interest in connection to the May 24th murder of Lisa Arsenault.

Southeast Division patrol members responded to a call at a motel near 38 Avenue and Gateway Boulevard, at approximately 8 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 2020. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased female, since identified as Lisa Arsenault, inside one of the motel suites.

Investigators are now releasing surveillance images (see below) of a person of interest who was seen walking outside of this motel, where Arsenault was murdered that Sunday evening.

Anyone who can identify the male seen in these surveillance images and/or who may have information about this homicide is urged 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.

Background:
The Edmonton Medical Examiner recently completed an autopsy and confirmed the deceased woman was 48-year-old Lisa Arsenault. Autopsy results are still pending regarding the cause of Lisa Arsenault’s death, though the manner of death has been confirmed as homicide.

    

Person of interest: Lisa Arsenault homicide investigation

 

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Missing senior located

Hamound Ahmed Bouzaine, 77, who was reported missing by police earlier today, Saturday, June 6, 2020, has been located safe and unharmed.

The EPS would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.

from Media Releases https://ift.tt/2UgbW3u

Police seek public's assistance locating missing senior

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 77-year-old man.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020, Hamoud Ahmed Bouzaine, 77, reportedly left his residence in the area of 95 Street and 103A Avenue. He was last seen walking eastbound on 103 Avenue.

Bouzaine is 5’5”, and 130 lbs. with brown eyes, grey hair that is balding on the top and grey facial hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey hooded sweatshirt, a blue waist length zip jacket with red and white horizontal stripes, black shoes and black sunglasses.

Missing man: Hamoud Ahmed Bouzaine, 77

Bouzaine has vision loss and a medical condition that may impair decision making. As a result, there are concerns for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play at this time.

Anyone with information regarding Bouzaine’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 at www.p3tips.com/250.

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Missing female youth located

Celeste Lacendre Napope, 14, was located by the EPS, safe and unharmed, in Edmonton this afternoon, Friday, June 5, 2020.

The EPS would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.

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Police seek public's assistance locating missing female youth

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a 14-year-old female youth.

Celeste Lacendre Napope, 14, was last seen by a friend in the area of 146 Avenue and 117 Street on Sunday, May 24, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Lacendre Napope was reportedly planning to meet friends and was riding her grey and blue bike at the time.

Lacendre Napope is an indigenous female, 5’3” tall and approximately 128 lbs. She has long, straight, light brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing blue jean shorts, a black/silver/grey top and black and white Nike runners. She also reportedly wears one earing and is currently wearing black nail polish on her fingernails. A photo of Lacendre Napope is included below.

Missing youth: Celeste Lacendre Napope, 14

While Lacendre Napope has visited friends before, it is unusual for her to be away from home for this long. As a result, her disappearance is considered to be out of character and there are concerns for her well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play at this time.

Anyone with information regarding Lacendre Napope’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 at www.p3tips.com/250.

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Police seek public's assistance locating missing man

The Edmonton Police service is seeking the public’s assistance locating a missing 65-year-old man who disappeared with his dog.

Robert (Bob) Ross, 65, was last seen in the area of 74 Avenue and 188 Street in midafternoon on Sunday, May 31, 2020.

Ross is 6' tall and weighs approximately 200 lb. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white or tan button-up shirt with vertical lines of several different colours.

He is believed to be driving a 2012 Ford F150 Lariat with Alberta license plate 68N 055, and his last known location was heading west on highway 16 towards Spruce Grove. He was last seen with his dog Mickey, who is pictured below.

Missing Person: Robert (Bob) Ross, 65

Ross, 65

Ross’ dog Mickey

Ross’ disappearance is out of character, and police are therefore concerned for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play.

Anyone with any information about Ross’ 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.

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Police seek public’s help with suspicious fire investigation

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in connection to a suspicious fire that occurred recently at a south Edmonton fitness facility. 

On Saturday, May 16, 2020, at approximately 5 a.m., Edmonton Fire Rescue (EFR) responded to and extinguished a structure fire at a fitness facility near 41 Avenue and 101 Street. Witnesses nearby heard a loud explosion and observed a bright orange flash at the west-facing rear doors of the fitness club, before contacting 911.

Edmonton Police Service investigators have since taken over the investigation and are seeking the public’s assistance. Multiple gas jerry cans were discovered on scene by investigators following the blaze. Police are asking anyone who may have seen someone filling up multiple jerry cans with gasoline purchased between May 13 and May 16, 2020 to contact police. 

Anyone with information regarding this fire 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.

 

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