Police remind citizens to make safety top priority on city roadways

Safer city streets and responsible driving are the focus for Edmonton Police Service officers during Canada Road Safety Week, a national campaign that runs May 17-23, 2016.

The nationwide law enforcement initiative is aimed at making Canada’s roadways the safest in the world. Police from across the country will be promoting safe driving practices, using education and enforcement to remind citizens of the behaviours that put drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk.

“With the long weekend approaching, we’re reminding Edmontonians traffic safety is a shared responsibility that needs to be top priority,” says Staff Sgt. Randy Loxterkamp with the EPS Traffic Section. “Dangers on our city streets are often preventable – choose safe, responsible behaviours when using roadways.”

Targeted enforcement during Canada Road Safety Week will focus on:

• Impaired driving
• Seatbelt and child restraint use
• Aggressive driving
• Distracted driving

From May 12-18, 2015, there were 2,433 charges laid by EPS officers during Canada Road Safety Week. Of those, 1,042 were for speeding, 303 for other aggressive driving offences, 84 for seatbelt violations and 184 for distracted driving. There were 69 charges laid for alcohol impaired driving, three charges for drug impaired driving and 58 driving suspensions.

Canada Road Safety Week is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and Transport Canada and is part of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.

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Police request public’s assistance in locating missing 20-year-old man

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 20-year-old man with down syndrome.

Joel Heurkens, 20, was last seen this afternoon (May 14, 2016) around 2:30 p.m. in the area of 90 Avenue and 85 Street, after leaving a church function.

Heurkens stands about 5’1” and weighs approximately 140 lbs. He was last seen wearing an orange t-shirt with a thin, yellow, horizontal stripe across the chest, along with brown pants and black sneakers. Heurkens has scraggly facial hair and may be wearing glasses. He also walks with a limp. 

Missing: Joel Heurkens, 20

While there are no indications of foul play, Heurkens’ disappearance is out of character and there are concerns for his well-being.

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

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EPS Hate Crimes Detail seek public’s assistance to ID male suspect

The Edmonton Police Service Hate Crimes Detail is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man allegedly involved in an aggravated assault last month.

The Edmonton Police Service Hate Crimes Detail is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man allegedly involved in an aggravated assault last month.

On Apr. 9, 2016, around 7:30 p.m., two brothers were approached by an unknown male at a transit station in the area of Kingsway Garden Mall. The unknown male suspect began to berate one of the two brothers, who identifies as an openly gay male.

The male suspect allegedly continued to yell derogatory comments aimed at the man’s sexuality and then proceeded to assault the two brothers, leaving them both with serious injuries. The suspect then fled the scene on foot and boarded a transit bus.

Witnesses in the area contacted police, who responded to the incident with EMS. The two males were treated and transported to hospital that evening.

The Hate Crimes Detail has taken over this investigation and is looking to the public for assistance in identifying the alleged suspect involved.

 Alleged suspect involved in aggravated assault

 The suspect is described as an aboriginal male in his early 20s. He is believed to be about 5’9” and was last seen wearing jeans, skateboarding sneakers and a hooded sweatshirt with patched elbows and shoulders.

Click on this link for additional photo and video of the alleged suspect.

The Edmonton Police Service Hate Crimes Detail continues to investigate.

Anyone with information about this assault is asked to contact the EPS Hate Crimes hotline directly at 780-421-3489.

Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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EPS SENIOR PROTECTION UNIT

A 53-year-old Edmonton man is facing theft-related charges for allegedly defrauding his 94-year-old grandmother of more than $265,000 while holding the position of Power of Attorney.

The charges stem from a five-month investigation by the EPS Senior Protection detectives.

“This is a prime example of a senior citizen being preyed upon by a family member that she trusted,” said Det. Dave Huggins, formerly of EPS Senior Protection. “Sadly, both her health, and her grandson, failed her, at a time in her life when she should have been able to count on him.”

It is alleged that between August 2010 and August 2014, the accused male made out multiple cheques to himself, while acting as his grandmother’s attorney under an Enduring Power of Attorney. The fraud occurred, after his elderly grandmother was hospitalized following a stroke in 2010.

Elder Abuse detectives were contacted by the complainant, after she regained the capacity to make decisions in May 2014, and subsequently discovered the alleged fraud.

Jeffrey Edward Stals, 53, is charged with theft by person holding power of attorney and fraud over $5,000.

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Two people sustain serious injuries after being struck by SUV

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a collision that happened early Tuesday morning, which sent a motorcyclist and a pedestrian to hospital with serious injuries.

On May 10, 2016 at around 8 a.m., a 31-year-old driver, operating a Toyota Rav4, was travelling southbound on 90 Street. At the same time, an 85-year-old man operating a motorcycle was travelling northbound on 90 Street. As both approached the intersection of 132 Avenue and 90 Street, the Toyota Rav4 allegedly conducted a left-hand turn and struck the 85-year-old motorcyclist.

Moments later, it was reported that the Toyota Rav4 then struck an 80-year-old female pedestrian, who had allegedly been standing near the southeast corner of the 132 Avenue and 90 Street intersection.

Both the man and woman, struck by the Toyota Rav4, were treated and transported to hospital by EMS. The operator of the motorcycle is in stable condition and the female pedestrian’s injuries are described as serious. As of Friday morning, both individuals remain in hospital.

Shyshay Gaym, 32, is charged with conducting an unsafe left turn at an intersection and operating a motor vehicle without proper supervision by a qualified accompanying person under the Traffic Safety Act.

Major Collision Investigation Section continues to investigate.

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

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Two youths facing arson charges in connection with grass fires

Two Edmonton youths are facing arson-related charges in connection with a pair of grass fires that are alleged to have been deliberately set over the last week in southwest Edmonton.

In the most recent event, Southwest Division patrol officers responded to an area north of the Anthony Henday near 111 Street yesterday, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, after receiving several 911 calls from concerned citizens.

It was reported to police that three male suspects on bicycles had started a fire in a grassy area bordering the trees in a nearby ravine. Upon arrival, officers located and arrested two youths on scene. A third suspect turned himself into police later Wednesday evening.

Edmonton firefighters also responded to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire.

“We’ve all just witnessed the incredible devastation and threat to life that a fire can cause given the extremely dry conditions out there right now,” said Southwest Insp. Erik Johnson. “Surely, no one should need to be reminded, after seeing those frightening images from Fort McMurray last week.

“I want to be clear. Anyone caught endangering the lives of our city’s residents with this type of irresponsible behavior will be prosecuted to the maximum allowed under the law.”

The two youths are also facing charges in connection with an arson that occurred near the Century Park LRT on Tuesday, May 10^th. It was reported that two males set fire to a grassy area behind the Century Park LRT Station. Citizens in the area were able to successfully extinguish that fire.

The two teenagers, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been each charged with arson (x2) and possession of incendiary devices (x2). The third youth, who was not involved, was not charged.

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Police release surveillance image of woman who may have witnessed murder near Baccarat Casino

Homicide detectives are attempting to identify a female who may have witnessed the murder of Darren Sinner at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2016 (see photo below).

Sinner was shot and killed at the intersection of 104 Avenue and 101 Street across from the Baccarat Casino in downtown Edmonton. The female witness was captured on nearby surveillance video in the area of 101 Street and 105 Avenue just moments prior to the murder. The woman was wearing white boots and may have had red mitts or hand warmers.

She was also wearing a dark colored, three-quarter length coat with a fur-lined hood. Detectives believe this female has information that will assist their investigation.

Anyone who may have information about the identity of this female is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1T6SV9Z.

Background:
Downtown Division patrol members responded to a 911 call for assistance at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016, near 101 Street and 104 Avenue. It was reported to police that a male in his 40’s was rushed to hospital by paramedics, following an altercation with a group of people.

The complainant has since died in hospital. Police are attempting to identify the individuals who may have provided aid to the complainant.

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