Impaired driving, seatbelts and more focus of Canada Road Safety Week

Safer city streets and responsible driving are the focus for the Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton during the 2017 Canada Road Safety Week campaign that runs May 15-22, 2017.

“As the weather gets warmer, drivers are enjoying the sunshine and the improved road conditions,” says Sgt Kerry Bates with the EPS Traffic Section “With the summer approaching we’re reminding Edmontonians that traffic safety is important regardless of the season. It is a shared responsibility that needs to be a top priority.”

 

Targeted enforcement during Canada Road Safety Week will focus on:

• Impaired driving

• Seatbelt and child restraint use

• Aggressive driving

• Distracted driving

 

From May 17-23, 2016, there were 2,625 charges laid by EPS officers during Canada Road Safety Week. Of those, 656 were for speeding, 266 for other aggressive driving offences, 36 for seatbelt violations and 165 for distracted driving. There were 48 charges laid for alcohol impaired driving and 55 driving suspensions.

 

The City of Edmonton’s Traffic Safety Section is hopeful that this year’s numbers, in particular, impaired driving, will be lower, as they continue to strive towards the City’s Vision Zero Strategy of zero traffic fatalities and zero serious injuries.

 

“During long weekends, we often see a spike in impaired driving. People get in holiday mode, consume alcohol and get behind the wheel,” says Laura Thue, Senior Research Coordinator with City of Edmonton Traffic Safety. “The City of Edmonton and EPS would like to remind citizens that drinking and driving has serious consequences. By not drinking and driving, we all contribute to safer city streets.”

 

Beyond targeted enforcement in key areas, officers will also continue to monitor and enforce Edmonton’s speed limits, as the number of excessive speeders rises with spring’s arrival. In early May, West Division Traffic Team officers observed several drivers on the Anthony Henday travelling in excess of 50 km/h over the legal posted limit, the fastest recorded at 166 km/h in the 100 km/h posted speed zone. In each of these incidents, the drivers were issued a compulsory court appearance.

 

Officers with the EPS Traffic Section also recently charged a motorcyclist with dangerous driving after excessive speeding ended in a minor collision. Travelling as part of a group, the motorcycles were observed at speeds reaching 129 km/h in a 60 km/h zone that borders a residential neighbourhood.

 

“Motorists are reminded that ignoring posted speed limits can result in substantial fines, demerits, license suspensions and even serious injury or death,” says Const. Trevor Henderson with the EPS West Division Traffic Team “The EPS is committed to monitoring drivers’ speeds on all Edmonton roadways and we encourage citizens to drive safely and responsibly at all times.”

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2rnolmb

Police seize $16,000 in illegal tobacco, $20,000 in khat

The Edmonton Police Service has arrested a 33 year-old male in relation to the seizure of a large amount of illegal tobacco and drugs.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at approximately 4 p.m. officers with the EPS Hospitality Policing Unit and West Division Beats team executed a search warrant at a business in the area of 117 Avenue and 124 Street.

 

Officers located and seized 100 kg of illegal tobacco and 20 kg of khat with a total estimated street value of $36,000. The illegal tobacco seized amounted to an estimated $51,000 in uncollected provincial and federal taxes.

 

“Selling untaxed tobacco is a type of illegal trafficking and can contribute to other forms of crime,” says Sgt Colin Simpson with the Hospitality Policing Unit. “Seizures of these illegal substances undoubtedly helps to keep our communities safe.”

 

Yosef Tesfay Dema, 33, is charged with selling untaxed tobacco (x3), possession for purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime and fraud over $5,000.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2qpadZz

Police looking for witnesses to pedestrian hit and run on Kingsway Ave.

The Edmonton Police Service is looking for potential witnesses to a pedestrian hit-and-run collision that occurred early Saturday morning on Kingsway Avenue.

Northwest Division patrol officers responded to a hit-and-run collision call at approximately 12:30 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2017, at a crosswalk on Kingsway Avenue and Tower Road.

Upon arrival, Edmonton Fire Department members were tending to a 20-year-old female lying on the road, after being struck by a Chevrolet vehicle. It was reported to officers that the suspect vehicle, the model of which remains unknown, left the scene of the collision.

The complainant was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with life-threatening injuries. 

Major Collision Investigations Unit has since taken over the investigation, and would like to speak to anyone who has information regarding the collision and/or the driver of the Chevrolet.

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.

 

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2qJWBv5

2017 Crime Prevention Week is May 15-19

“Crime Prevention Week is an opportunity to do what we refer to as “target hardening” – teaching people how to be hard to victimize,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Looker with the EPS Crime Prevention Unit. “The more our citizens know about what criminals are looking for, the better able they are to protect themselves and their property.”

 

Events this week will focus on how to prevent some of the most common crimes reported to EPS: theft from vehicles, bicycle theft, home and property crime and auto theft. More information is available at crimeprevweek.com. Partners will be using #CrimePrevWeek on social media to share information and tips.

 

“As we approach summer, we’re bound to see a rise in some of these crimes” notes A/S/Sgt. Looker. “We want to help Edmontonians have a fun and carefree vacation season by helping them properly secure their homes and property.”

 

The EPS is working with Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, the University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), which is a partnership between EPS, the City of Edmonton, The Family Centre and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to offer crime prevention tips, tools and events throughout the week.

 

2017 Crime Prevention Week – events and media availabilities

 

Monday, May 15: Theft from vehicles

What: EPS constables and Centre High students will be handing out “theft from auto” crime prevention material at various LRT stations during the afternoon rush hour.

Where: Media availability at Southgate LRT Station

When: 4 – 4:15 p.m.

Host: EPS

Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS

780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca

 

Tuesday, May 16: Bicycle theft

What: U-Cycle, an event to support U of A students and staff who use their bicycles on campus. Cyclists can register their bicycle through Project 529, an online bike registry that helps cyclists report a theft quickly. Discounted U-locks and bike tune-ups will also be available.

Where: Celebration Plaza, University of Alberta (south of the Administration building by the main bus loop)

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Media availability at 11 a.m.)

Host: University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team

Contact: Connie Marciniuk, Community Safety Liaison, City of Edmonton

780-994-8582; connie.marciniuk@edmonton.ca

 

Wednesday, May 17: Home and property crime prevention

What: To help citizens prepare for the summer vacation season, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch will be providing tips on how to secure your home and property when you go on holidays.

Where: Homes by Avi show home at 7016 Summerside Grande Blvd.

When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Host: Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch

Contact: Debbie Sellers, Executive Director, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch

780-242-4006; debbiesellers@enwatch.ca

 

 

Thursday, May 18: Auto theft

What: Media launch of “Lock Out Auto Theft,” a new joint auto theft prevention campaign by the EPS, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the RCMP. Media will be able to photograph examples of heavily damaged stolen autos, and an EPS Detective and IBC Investigator will be on hand to speak to media.

Where: Police Seized Vehicles Tow Lot, 12230 124 Avenue – driveway between north and south lots

When: 1 p.m.

Host: EPS

Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS

780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca

 

 

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2r8WJUG

Police continue to look for clues in the disappearance of Amber Wilson

It’s been exactly one year since Amber Wilson disappeared from Edmonton without a trace.

Today, Amber’s parents are making a plea to the public for information in connection to their daughter’s whereabouts. 

 

On Sunday, May 15, 2016, Amber’s father dropped her off downtown in the area of 102 Street and 100 Avenue around 9:30 p.m. to meet up with friends.

 

No one has seen or heard from her since.

 

“Our family does not have any peace,” says Marty Juknevic, Amber’s mother. “We just want to find Amber and know what happened to her.”

 

Amber has Asperger’s syndrome and other medical conditions that require medication. Her family explains she was friends with people who also led a high-risk life style.

 

“Amber’s disappearance is considered to be suspicious in nature,” says Const. Shelley Pinch with Missing Persons Unit. “It’s unusual that in an urban area, there is simply no trace of her.” 

 

EPS Homicide Section has been involved from the onset of the investigation and continues to assist.

 

The family is placing flyers around the area where she went missing with hope that a witness will come forward with information.

 

“Someone out there knows what happened to her. I’m convinced someone has information and I’m pleading with them to come forward to police or Crime Stoppers,” says Juknevic.

Amber Wilson, 31,  is described as Caucasian, approximately 5'1" tall, weighing 105 lbs., with brown shoulder length hair and green eyes.  She has eyeglasses and was last seen wearing a blue pullover sweater and grey pajama pants.

 
Amber Wilson, 31
Missing since May 15, 2016

Anyone who has information about Amber Wilson’s 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.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2r8Em2e

Police request public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old missing man

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 24-year-old man, who was reported walking away from a medical facility in northeast Edmonton the evening of Monday, May 1, 2017.

Scott Johnson, 24, is described as a Caucasian male, around 6’0” tall and weighs 300 lbs. He has blue eyes, brown hair and may have facial hair. He was last seen wearing a blue dress shirt, grey pants that were torn on the bottom and black slip-on shoes.

Missing: Scott Johnson, 24

Johnson is autistic and police believe it is out of character for him to not be in contact with his family.

Anyone with information regarding Johnson’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 http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2qb5ZXp

Police request public’s assistance in locating 46-year-old missing man

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 46-year-old Edmonton man, who has been missing since yesterday, Thursday, May 11, 2017.

Michael Webb, 46, was believed to be in the area of 119 Street and 23 Avenue, near Smith’s Crossing by popular hiking trails that run throughout the Terwillegar neighbourhood, at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

His disappearance is considered to be out of character, and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play, at this time. Michael is described as being a Caucasian male, 46, approximately 5’7’, 200 pounds and is bald. He may be wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans with brown suede shoes.        

Anyone with information regarding Michael’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.tipsubmit.com.

 

Michael Webb, 46:
Missing since Thursday, May 11, 2017

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2r9QEDS