Couple arrested after approaching multiple young women in shopping centres with bogus job proposal

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating multiple incidents where young women have been approached by a couple posing as recruiters for an estate management company.

Detectives began investigating the suspicious incidents in mid-March, after several female complainants came forward to police. In each case, young female complainants in their late teens or early 20s were approached at shopping complexes by either a man by himself or a man and a woman claiming to be recruiters for an estate management company.

It is alleged the accused would then show the complainants a job description for an Estate Manager, which included a good salary and various perks. The accused would then invite the complainants to a formal interview at another location, which only some of the women agreed to attend.

Investigators recently arrested and charged Christopher Bonanni, 39, of Edmonton and Jessica Bedard, 25, of Edmonton, with Interfering with a person’s lawful use or enjoyment of property, a sub-section of Mischief under the Criminal Code. Detectives are releasing photos of the accused with the hopes that other potential complainants will come forward with additional information about their interaction with either, or both individuals.
                           

Anyone who has information about these incidents or may have also been approached by either of the accused 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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

   

      Jessica Bedard, 25          Christopher Bonanni, 39

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Police investigate traffic fatality west of downtown

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a fatal collision that occurred late Saturday evening just west of the downtown area.

Downtown Division patrol officers responded to a collision call at approximately 11:15 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017, near 121 Street and 103 Avenue.

 

It was reported to police that a Jeep being driven by a female was travelling westbound on 103 Avenue and approaching 121 Street, when she allegedly drove through a four-way stop and collided with a Honda Civic being driven by a male who was southbound on 121 Street.

 

The Jeep then struck two trees before coming to a stop approximately 30 metres from the intersection. The female driver sustained significant injuries and was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics where she was pronounced deceased.

 

The male driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons. Major Collision Investigations Unit has since taken over the investigation.

 

Although the investigation is still preliminary at this time, speed is believed to have been a factor.

This is Edmonton’s seventh traffic fatality of 2017.

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EPS plants 125 trees to commemorate 125th anniversary

The Edmonton Police Service is planting 125 trees on its 125th anniversary to recognize its roots in the community and to share a legacy of hope for the future.

 

The trees are being planted by police officers and school children taking part in the City of Edmonton’s annual Arbor Day activities at Gold Bar Park. 

 

This is the first time EPS and the City have partnered for Arbor Day, which dates back to 1893 in Edmonton.  The trees planted on Arbor Day will provide numerous environmental benefits and be enjoyed by Edmontonians for years to come.

 

“Planting a tree together is a symbol of hope for the future,” says Chief Rod Knecht.  “We look back at the last 125 years with pride, and look forward to the next 125 years with promise, knowing that a strong and positive relationship with the community is at the heart of everything we do.  Much like these trees, we hope this relationship will continue to flourish for generations.”    

 

 

EPS is also planting an Autumn Blaze Maple Tree with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, as the tree is a symbol of promise for the future.

 

Over 600 grade one students from across the city are planting tree seedlings with members of the EPS School Resource Officer Unit.  For many it is their first time interacting with police officers, so the EPS Canine Unit is doing demonstrations and giving out EPS colouring books, crayons, stickers and play police badges to make the experience more memorable.

 

Chief Knecht adds, “I’m encouraged by these children, they’re aware of their community and the environment, and want to help out and do the right thing.  If these are our future leaders and police officers, we’re in good hands.”

  

 

The commemorative tree planting is one of the many public activities planned to celebrate the EPS’ 125^th anniversary in 2017, which include a civic celebration at City Hall on June 20 and a picnic at Borden Park on Aug. 20.

 

EPS was created 125 years ago when Mayor Matthew McCauley issued Bylaw #15 on June 20, 1892, which allowed the municipality to appoint town constables to keep the peace.  Since that time, EPS officers have been dedicated to protect, and proud to serve, the citizens of Edmonton. 

 

For more information and regular updates regarding the 125^th anniversary, please visit http://ift.tt/2iI7pTt.  If you have any historical information, photos or artifacts that you wish to share with the EPS, please contact the EPS 125th Anniversary Organizing Committee at EPS125@edmontonpolice.ca.

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Charges laid in fatal hit-and-run collision

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a male in relation to a hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of a female pedestrian in March.

On Thursday, May 4, 2017, Tuyen Trong Hung, 61, was charged with fail to stop at the scene of an accident and careless driving.

 

Speed and alcohol were not considered factors in this collision.

 

This is Edmonton’s fifth traffic fatality of 2017.

 

Background

On Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2017 at approximately 1 a.m., Northeast Division came across a collision in the area of Fort Road and 131 Avenue. Further investigation confirmed that a 53-year-old female pedestrian was fatally struck by a dark coloured SUV travelling southbound on Fort Road. The suspect vehicle did not remain on scene.

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Man charged for harassing realtors; police seek additional complainants

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 31-year-old male in connection to multiple incidents of harassment in the Edmonton area.

In March 2017, detectives with the EPS Sexual Assault Section began investigating after several female realtors reported incidents of harassment to police. In each incident, complainants alleged that they received calls from a male who posed as a customer and made arrangements to view vacant properties. It was also reported that the male then harassed them on the phone or in person, often for sexual purposes, and on one occasion, the suspect was seen masturbating and offered the complainant money for sexual contact. 

 

On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Danmar Louise Cagulada, 31, was charged with criminal harassment, harassing phone calls, indecent acts and procuring.

 

These charges relate to incidents that occurred between May 2012 and March 2017. Police believe there may be additional complainants.

 

If you have any information about Cagulada (see photo below), these incidents and/or believe you have also been harassed by the accused, please 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.

 

 

Danmar Louise Cagulada, 31

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Charges upgraded to second-degree murder in machete attack

Southwest Division detectives in consultation with Homicide Section have upgraded charges against two males, following the recent death in hospital of a 34-year-old Edmonton man.

Investigators upgraded attempted murder charges to second-degree murder against Trevor Auger, 36, and Jason Hope, 38, in connection with an April 15^th, 2017 assault on a 34-year-old male complainant, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital on April 22.

Trevor Auger, 36, and Jason Hope, 38, are both facing numerous charges including:
Second-degree murder

Aggravated Assault             

Assault with a Weapon (x 3)

Assault Bodily Harm (x 2)

Kidnapping

Unlawful Confinement (x 5)

Intimidation

Robbery (x 2)

Forcible Confinement (x 5)

Breach of Probation

Multiple weapons offences

Background:
The Medical Examiner’s Officer has confirmed that a 34-year-old male who died in hospital last weekend following an April 15, 2017 assault, died as a result of sharp and blunt-force injuries.

The 34-year-old male was taken off life support Friday, April 21, 2017, and died the following day on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The male complainant was rushed to hospital by paramedics April 15^th, following an assault by two males involving a machete and firearms.

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose, there is no risk to public safety and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

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Charges laid in death of man found stabbed

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives have laid charges in connection with the death of a man who was found deceased on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

A weapons complaint was reported to 911 at approximately 3:15 pm on April 30, 2017 in the area of 106 Street and 61 Avenue.  When EPS and EMS arrived at the scene, a deceased male was found outside at the back of the residence with what appeared to be a stab wound.

 

Detectives arrested an injured male suspect at a hospital a couple hours later. Investigations revealed that an altercation led to the stabbing.

 

Jayson Lunag Bay-Ag, 32 was charged this afternoon with 2^nd degree murder.

 

The victim has been identified as Jake Myles Skrepnek-Rey, 22.  An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

 

Detectives believe that at least four other persons who were at the scene, either known to the accused or victim, may have information or may have witnessed the crime. Police are asking these individuals to come forward.

 

This is Edmonton’s 17^th homicide of 2017.

 

Homicide detectives are asking witnesses or anyone with information 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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