Police request public’s help locating missing man

The Edmonton Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing 28-year-old man.

William David Smith, 28, was last seen in Edmonton on Sunday, July 17, 2016 and was reported missing later that day by his family. Police believe Smith may have been in the area of Holden, Alberta, approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, on July 17, 2016.

Smith is described as a Caucasian male with shaved brown hair and blue eyes. He is 5’8” tall and 240 lbs. He was driving a dark blue Ford F-150 truck (1992 model) that has a large dent on the rear passenger panel and Alberta licence plate NAF 670.

 
William David Smith, 28

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of this individual or vehicle 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/29TyO23

Police nab fleeing bank robbery suspect

A bank robbery on Jasper Avenue was quickly solved yesterday afternoon thanks to seamless coordination between EPS Downtown Division officers and Police Communications Branch.

On Thursday, July 14, 2016 at approximately 2:05 p.m., a report of a bank robbery in the area of 107 Street and Jasper Avenue was reported to the Edmonton Police Service. It is alleged a man entered the bank, produced a note demanding money and fled the bank on foot after cash was handed over.

Downtown Division beat officers were in the area at the time. Information from Police Communications Branch (911) employees led bike patrol officers to the suspect, where he was arrested without incident approximately 15 feet from the bank.

“Police Communications Branch quickly evaluated the call and provided a suspect description,” says Supt. Ed McIsaac with Downtown Division. “With our beat officers already in the area, they were able to apprehend the suspect with the money and note in hand.”

Christopher Douglas Finlay, 46, has been charged with robbery and disguise with intent.

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Man charged in fatal parking lot collision

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 78-year-old man in connection to a fatal collision that took place in a parking lot earlier this month.

Just after 2 p.m. on July 2, 2016, a 32-year-old female driver of a Ford Escape stopped at a five-way stop sign marked intersection in a parking lot located at 135 Street and 137 Avenue. The driver had stopped to allow a 50-year-old female pedestrian to cross, who was walking in the parking lot.

At the same time, a 78-year-old male driver of a Kia Sportage proceeded through the intersection, striking the Ford Escape from behind, which caused the Kia to accelerate across a curb and rock median where it struck the 50-year-old female pedestrian, driving over top of her.

The female pedestrian was treated by EMS and taken to hospital where she was pronounced deceased as a result of the collision. Speed and alcohol were not considered factors.

Ahmad Farhat, 78, has since been charged with driving carelessly under the Traffic Safety Act. 

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Downtown Division operation curbs drug trafficking activity

A recent Edmonton Police Service operation in the downtown area resulted in 87 charges laid against 10 individuals in relation to drug trafficking and weapons offences.

Downtown Division officers conducted a number of investigations from mid-June to early July to deter the trafficking of controlled substances in Edmonton’s downtown core.

A traffic stop during the evening of June 28, 2016 in the area of 116 Street and 104 Avenue resulted in the seizure of 67 grams of methamphetamine (street value of $6,800), weapons and ammunition, including a loaded firearm and a sword. Drug trafficking paraphernalia – scales, individually packaged bags of marijuana and multiple cell phones – were also located in the vehicle.

Nancy Chouinard, 38, and Brandon Cardinal, 29, were arrested during the traffic stop. Both are facing multiple charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a loaded prohibited/restricted firearm.

The EPS operation also included the execution of a search warrant at an apartment in the area of 106 Street and 107 Avenue on July 1, 2016. Officers seized 1.4 kilograms of marijuana ($9,000 street value), nearly $20,000 cash and $1,220 worth of contraband tobacco from the apartment.

David Petric, 60, was arrested without incident near the residence and charged with trafficking a controlled substance (x2) and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The final investigation took place on July 7, 2016 with the execution of a search warrant on a residence in the area of 109 Avenue and 82 Street. Officers located a small quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana, scales, drug bags and a sword in the suite.

Hans Behrens, 52, was arrested in relation to the search warrant and charged with trafficking a controlled substance (x2), possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public.

Six other individuals were arrested and charged during the course of the operation for offences related to trafficking methamphetamine, GHB and cocaine.

“The focus of this investigation was the safety of our downtown communities,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Brad Pearce with Downtown Division Beats. “Targeting drug trafficking and those involved with these dangerous activities helps address disorder in the area, making downtown Edmonton safer for all citizens.”

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Almost 3,500 traffic violations issued during July’s big ticket event

Edmonton Police Service officers and City of Edmonton automated enforcement handed out 3,449 violations during Operation 24 Hours last this week.

During the 24-hour campaign on Thursday, July 7, 2016, a total of 3,030 speeding tickets were issued by EPS officers and automated enforcement. Traffic Safety Act violations such as seatbelt infractions accounted for 255 of the total, and officers issued 2 charges for Criminal Code offences.

The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton coordinate regular enforcement campaigns throughout the year, such as Operation 24 Hours, to improve traffic safety on Edmonton’s roadways.

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Autopsy results confirm robbery suspect died from gun-shot wound

The Edmonton Medical Examiner has confirmed that Randy James Munian, 40, of Edmonton, died from a gun-shot wound to the torso sustained during this morning’s robbery of two Garda World Corporation armoured truck guards.

Investigators believe Munian was one of two male suspects who pepper sprayed and then robbed two guards at a TD Canada Trust bank in southeast Edmonton, at approximately 12:45 a.m. Friday morning.

It is alleged that one of the guards then discharged his firearm killing Munian. Investigators continue, however, to search for the second suspect, who remains at large. Witnesses describe the second male suspect as being approximately 5’10” tall, medium build and wearing a dark hoodie.

This is Edmonton’s 27^th homicide of 2016.  

 

Anyone with information about this incident, or who may know the whereabouts of the second suspect, 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.

Background:
Southeast Division members responded to a robbery call at a financial institution near 25 Avenue and Hewes Way, at approximately 12:45 a.m. this morning, Friday, July 8, 2016.

Upon arrival officers found a deceased male lying on the ground nearby. It is alleged that two robbery suspects approached the guards, pepper sprayed them and demanded cash from the guards.

It is alleged that one of the guards then discharged his firearm killing one of the two suspects. A second suspect remains at large at his time.

Homicide and Robbery Section detectives continue to investigate.

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Investigators searching for domestic violence offender

The Edmonton Police Service has issued warrants for the arrest of Clayton Larry Lepretre, 39, following a recent violent assault on his girlfriend.

On Monday, July 4, 2016, at approximately 6:50 p.m., police were dispatched to a west Edmonton address after receiving a report that a male had allegedly struck a female in the face with a baseball bat.

The complainant was taken to hospital with serious injuries, as a result of the violent assault.

Investigators have issued warrants for Lepretre’s arrest, including aggravated assault, unlawful confinement, possession of an offensive weapon (x2) and uttering threats.

Anyone who has information pertaining to the whereabouts of Lepretre 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

Clayton Larry Lepretre, 39,
Wanted for Aggravated Assault 

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