Big ticket event hands out 2,250 violations

This week, the Edmonton Police Service issued 2,300 traffic tickets during the “big ticket event,” Operation 24 Hours.

In the 24-hour enforcement period starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2015, 1,799 speeding violations were issued. There were 550 additional tickets issued for a variety of violations, including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

EPS STAT members intercepted a 2006 Chrysler 300 for speeding around 4 p.m. in the area of Riverbend Road and Flaconer Road. Subsequent to the traffic stop, police officers further investigated after they detected the odour of drugs and found over two ounces of marijuana wax with the approximate value of $2850 along with other evidence in connection to trafficking. Both the driver and passenger were arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

An 18-year-old male was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possess stolen property under $5,000 and possession of an offensive weapon.

The other 18-year-old male was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession stolen property under $5,000.

There were 2,381 tickets issued during the last Operation 24 Hours in October 2014. During last year’s March 2014 event, the EPS issued 2,069 traffic tickets.

The Edmonton Police Service conducts Operation 24 Hours throughout the year to improve traffic safety in Edmonton by targeting excessive speeding and dangerous driving practices.

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

Police seek public’s help in locating missing man last seen in downtown Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an Edmonton man who has not been seen since Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

George Orville Ladouceur, 43-years-old, was reported missing to the EPS on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, after his family became concerned that he had been out of contact. It is believed that Lacouceur’s last known location was 110 Avenue and 83 Street in downtown Edmonton.

Ladouceur’s disappearance is out of character and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being.

He is described as an Aboriginal male, approximately 6’0” tall and 200 lbs., bald with brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, white Nike runners and blue jeans.

George Orville Ladouceur, 43

Anyone with information that may assist in locating this individual is encouraged to call the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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

Woman arrested after drugs discovered in baby stroller

An Edmonton woman was arrested and charged with drug-related offences Thursday, after EPS officers discovered GHB, crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine in the same baby stroller that was carrying her 18-month-old child.

Two West Division officers were responding to a routine shoplifting call at a retail outlet in the downtown Edmonton mall, as part of a CAT Deployment currently stationed in the City Centre Mall. While investigating the alleged shoplifting incident, officers subsequently discovered two water bottles containing more than 100 ml of GHB in the baby stroller and approximately one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, and a small amount of crack cocaine in a baby’s lunch bag.



The accused was also found to be in possession of various drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a scale, baggies and score sheets (drug sales list).



Members from the EPS Child At Risk Response Team were immediately called to assist with the investigation, resulting in the apprehension of the accused’s 18-month-old child.



A 24-year-old woman is charged with possession (x1) possession for the purpose of trafficking (x2) and theft under $5,000 and breach of recognizance. She is also charged under the Child and Family Enhancement Act with Causing a Child to be In Need of Intervention and Child Endangerment.



The CAT deployments are part of the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy and have been successful in reducing crime and disorder in communities across the city. Stationed at City Centre Mall, the latest CAT deployment – being held March 18-21 – is focusing efforts on the inner-city.



For more information about the Community Action Team (CAT) and the Violence Reduction Strategy, please visit http://ift.tt/1t2coBg.

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

Edmonton woman arrested, extradited from Germany in connection with online criminal harassment and threats investigation

An Edmonton woman wanted on multiple Canada-wide warrants for criminal harassment and uttering threats online is now in EPS custody, following her recent arrest by authorities in Germany.

Edmonton Police Service investigators were notified after Hana Sakkat, 38, was arrested on Jan. 18, 2015, by German Federal Police at Frankfurt International Airport.

Sakkat is accused of targeting several patrons of a local dance studio with online threats, defamatory comments and anti-Semitic views between October 2013 and October 2014. The threatening behavior is alleged to have continued, after Sakkat left Canada in May 2014, which led to the involvement of Interpol, the international police organization.



Investigators from EPS travelled to Germany and took custody of Sakkat on March 12, 2015, at which time she was successfully extradited to Edmonton.



Sakkat is charged with criminal harassment (x4), uttering threats (x5), fraud (x5) and breach of recognizance (x4). Sakkat will remain in custody until her bail hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2015.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/18D4CV1

Police asking for tips in spree of mischief to vehicles

EPS Northeast Division investigators are asking the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of a suspect responsible for thousands of dollars in damage to more than 70 vehicles in north Edmonton.

Between midnight and 3 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015, a suspect or suspects damaged more than 70 vehicles in the area between 43 and 66 Street, and 122 and 111 Avenue.

Investigators have been able to determine that the suspect(s) travelled throughout the Beacon Heights neighbourhood, crossed 50 Street into the Newton community and then south into the Highlands area. Vehicles appeared to be randomly targeted and the device used appears to be a blunt object of some kind.

The approximate estimated damages to the vehicles are in excess of $37,000. The majority of the damage is smashed windows. Investigators continue to gather evidence, speak to residents who live in the area and collect any possible video.

“This is incredibly irresponsible behaviour that has a huge impact on the community and has affected many residents,” says Const. Nikolas Pavlov, of Northeast Division. “We are asking the suspects to turn themselves in at Northeast Division, and perhaps the consequences for their criminal activity may be less severe than if they decide to not be accountable.”

Anyone with information that could help identify the suspect or suspects is asked to contact 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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

Medical Examiner confirms latest death was a homicide

An autopsy completed by the Medical Examiner’s Office yesterday, confirmed that the March 9th death of a 33-year-old Edmonton man was a homicide.

The Medical Examiner has ruled that Mohamed Ahmed Adam, whose body was found in an alley behind a local restaurant near 12520 118 Avenue early Monday morning, died from gunshot wounds.



Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.



Background:
Northwest Division patrol members initially responded to a call of shots fired at approximately 3:24 a.m. on March 9, 2015. Upon arrival, EPS members found the body of a deceased male, who appears to be in his 20s, outside of a business near 12520 118 Avenue.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1wvb23N

Police investigate BASE jumping incident in downtown Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a BASE jumping incident that occurred last night (Monday, Mar. 9, 2015) in downtown Edmonton.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., police received a call that a male had jumped from a construction crane in the area of 86 Street and Jasper Avenue.

Downtown Division officers and Air 1 responded to the area. Police believe three males in their twenties broke into a construction area and proceeded to BASE jump off of a construction crane. Shortly after police responded, three men were taken into custody.

“Individuals who engage in this type of behavior are making a selfish decision that negatively impacts the rest of the city,” says Supt. Kevin Galvin with EPS Downtown Division. “These people have little regard for the number of police resources that are dispatched to this type of call – a situation where it was believed someone was in distress. These types of incidents pull police resources that are already overstretched away from those who do require assistance.”

The investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending.

Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1ESn0FW