Charges laid in recent homicide

The Edmonton Police Service has laid charges in relation to the 28-year-old male who died in north Edmonton last month.

At 6:30 p.m., yesterday, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, Jonathon Soosay, 21, was arrested, without incident, in the area of 130 Avenue and 60 Street.

 

Soosay has since been charged with second degree murder, robbery, attempted robbery, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public and breach of a probation order.

 

Background

 

Shortly after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, Northwest Division officers responded to the report of a personal robbery.

 

It was reported that two 28-year-old males were waiting at a transit stop west of 82 Street at 118 Avenue just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday when they were approached by an unknown male who allegedly attempted to rob them of their personal belongings. A brief altercation then took place and one of the two males suffered a stab wound. The two males then pursued the male suspect who fled eastbound on the north side of 118 Avenue.

 

EMS attended, treated and transported the injured 28-year-old male to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

 

The Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on the injured male on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018 and the cause of death was determined to be a stab wound to the chest. Homicide investigators deemed the manner of death to be a homicide.

 

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 and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

 

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Police investigating citywide thefts of batteries from road signs

The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in reporting suspicious activity around City of Edmonton battery-powered display message signs.

  

Stock image

 

Approximately 130 of these signs are in use around the city to inform road users of issues such as construction, traffic incidents, major events, seasonal parking bans and emergency updates, including Amber Alerts. Most are powered by solar energy, which is stored in six-volt battery units.

 

The City of Edmonton has reported thefts of these batteries from 18 signs in 2016, 24 in 2017 and five in 2018 to date. The alleged thefts cause damage to the signs, resulting in repair and replacement costs averaging $1,000 per sign each time batteries are forcibly removed.

 

“These alleged thefts not only cost taxpayer dollars, but more importantly, they deprive road users of critical information that affects their safety and convenience,” says Michael Vaudan, senior engineer, City of Edmonton.

 

“We’re asking citizens to keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity around these signs to police,” says Det. Pat Bruni with EPS Northeast Division. “If it’s safe to do so, obtaining a license plate number or even a vehicle description will help us identify suspects.”

 

“The only time you should see someone doing maintenance on a display message sign is during regular workday hours,” adds Vaudan.

 

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this crime 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 www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

  

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Police seek assistance identifying suspect in reported attempted kidnapping

The Edmonton Police Service is releasing a composite sketch to help identify a suspect in an alleged attempted kidnapping that occurred on Jan. 17.

On Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 at approximately 8 a.m., a 13-year-old female got off of a bus in the area of 165 Street and 87 Avenue when she was reportedly followed by an unknown male passenger from the same bus. While attempting to cross the street in the area of 163 Street and 83 Avenue she was then reportedly grabbed by the male from behind. The youth was able to break free from the male, who then allegedly fled the area on foot.

  

Suspect in reported attempted kidnapping

 

The suspect is described as an Indigenous male, with missing upper teeth and a birthmark or tattoo on his left cheek. He is believed to be in his 40s and was last seen wearing a dark-coloured, puffy, winter coat, grey sweatpants and a black balaclava with an oval opening.

 

Investigators believe this is an isolated incident. No similar occurrences have been reported to date.

 

Anyone with information about this suspect 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 www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

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Police investigating citywide thefts of fuel

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a series of fuel thefts after receiving several reports from across the city.

Since mid- December 2017, the EPS has received over a dozen reports of gasoline and diesel being removed from SUVs, with thieves removing the fuel by drilling holes in the vehicles’ gas tanks.

 

Several reports have also noted a silver or grey minivan in the area at the time of the thefts, which is of interest to investigators.

 

“We’ve received reports of stolen gas from all areas of the city, with a concentration of thefts in southwest, west and northwest neighbourhoods,” says Detective Richard Windover with West Division. “However, we have also heard of similar reports received in neighbouring jurisdictions so we believe these thieves are at work in and around the Edmonton area.”

 

Investigators believe there may be additional complainants and witnesses to these thefts and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

 

“While fuel may not be a high value theft, the damage inflicted on the vehicles involved is significant and is costing drivers thousands of dollars in repairs,” says Windover. “If you’ve experienced this type of theft, please call us or your local police agency. We’d like to hear from you.”

 

Anyone who has information about this crime 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 www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

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Police investigate ongoing youth crime series

The Edmonton Police Service is reminding the general public to take preventative measures to help protect themselves against personal robberies.

The advisement comes on the heels of a series of personal robberies, thefts and mischief calls dating back to the summer months involving groups of youths operating throughout the LRT, at various recreation centres and commercial properties in Edmonton.

Investigators believe the groups, which usually include anywhere between four and 12 suspects, are allegedly responsible for more than 60 incidents that have been reported predominantly in northeast and southwest Edmonton, between July 31, 2017 and Jan. 23, 2018.

The incidents, including personal robberies, shoplifting, thefts, disturbances and assaults, have been reported at Belvedere, Southgate and Century Park LRT stations, various convenience and grocery stores, as well as Clareview, Terwillegar and Saville recreation centres.

Investigators believe the incidents are all crimes of opportunity, whereby the suspect youths target individuals for expensive items including cell phones, laptops and clothing on their person.

The suspects are believed to be anywhere between 13 and 18 years old. In each instance, complainants were approached by youth travelling together in groups of between four and 12 suspects.

With the assistance of ETS Transit Peace Officers, police have already arrested and charged five individuals believed to be responsible for numerous events. The five accused cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone with information about this series of crimes or the youths involved are 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.

TIPS TO HELP LOWER THE RISK OF A PERSONAL ROBBERY
While it may not be possible to prevent a personal robbery, there are some steps the public can take to minimize the risks:

• Pick safe routes to get to your destination

• Plan ahead, and let someone know where you are going and for how long

• If you are walking after dark, take routes that are well lit and are well populated

• If you’re using transit, stand or ride near others - do not isolate yourself

• If you’re driving, avoid parking in an isolated area. Park in a well-lit, highly-visible, high-traffic area

• Scan the surroundings as you walk or approach or leave your vehicle and transit. If possible, walk with another person

• If you’re carrying small personal electronics, like an iPod, conceal it under your clothes. These are targets for would-be thieves who can easily sell or exchange the device for drugs.

• While it’s relaxing to listen to music on your device while travelling on transit, you may also make yourself vulnerable to a personal robbery from would-be thieves.

• Always be aware of your surroundings. You may need to give directions to a loved one or police

• Keep your keys ready when walking to your vehicle or home, so that you can get in to your vehicle or home promptly

• Lock the doors of your vehicle while you are inside. Don’t open your doors or roll down your windows if an unknown person approaches to ask you something

• Keep your vehicle in good working condition, especially in winter months, to reduce the chance of breaking down and stopping

• Call out for help in an emergency, and carry a cell phone with you

• Report a personal robbery, or any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to police as soon as possible

   

Use your best judgement if confronted with violence and your safety is at risk. Remember that your personal safety is more valuable than your vehicle, your cell phone or other personal belongings.

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Officer charged with assault

An Edmonton Police Service officer was charged today (Monday, Feb. 5, 2018) in relation to an alleged incident which took place on March 25, 2017.

Const. Jason Bouwmeester, who was hired by the EPS in 2013, was charged with one count of assault.

 

The charge stems from an incident where the officer attempted to remove a community member from the Boyle Street Community Centre. The constable remains on active duty, in a non-patrol capacity.

 

The charge follows an in-depth investigation by the EPS Professional Standards Branch and consultation with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. 

 

As the matter is currently before the courts, the EPS is not able to provide further comment or information about the incident or investigation.

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Police seize $3.2M in carfentanil from southwest residence

The Edmonton Police Service has seized a record amount of carfentanil discovered recently in a southwest residence, as a result of a fire call.

“Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more toxic than Fentanil and 5,000 more potent than heroin,” explained EPS Insp. Shane Perka. “Given its toxicity, the ingestion of these substances even in trace amount can be lethal.” 

“The residence has since been condemned by Alberta Health Services until further notice.  This underlines the risk toxic opioids present not only to the residents at this property but to those who could have come into contact with it on our streets”.

While responding to a fire call at a residence near 109 Street and 69 Avenue, Edmonton Fire and Rescue Services discovered a suspicious powder substance in an empty basement suite and requested police attendance.  Southwest Division patrol officers responded at approximately 7 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, to the multi-unit residence and initiated a drug investigation.     

Police later executed a search warrant at the suite, which resulted in the seizure of 12 one-kg bags of white powder, 16 one-kg bags of blue powder, a similar pink powder substance as well as additional packaging and drug paraphernalia.

After analysis, investigators from the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) team confirmed the blue and pink colored substances contained carfentanil which was likely destined for street level distribution.  The estimated street value of the seized product is more than $3.2M.

Anyone with information about this significant drug seizure is urged to contact 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 www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Carfentanil Seizure: $3.2M est. street value

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