Youth follow in the footsteps of first Aboriginal police officer

The Edmonton Police Service is hosting the Alex Decoteau Run for over 200 school kids in Rundle Park to commemorate Canada’s first Aboriginal police officer and to help celebrate National Aboriginal History Month.

“At school, Alex Decoteau learned he had a special gift for running that helped him become a police officer in Edmonton, a soldier, as well as an Olympic athlete,” says Const. Lisa Wolfe with the EPS Recruiting Unit.  

“We want to encourage youth to have the same dedication and healthy lifestyle as Alex Decoteau, so they can run faster toward their goals and play a more positive role in their community.  For many Aboriginal police members, his legacy has been an inspiration, and we want others to continue to follow in his footsteps and consider a career in policing.”

For many years school children have taken part in the Alex Decoteau Run to honour the heroic legacy of a remarkable young man who accomplished many firsts for the Aboriginal community, served his city and his nation, and helped blaze the trail for others.  The Run also helps promote physical fitness and inspires a new generation of athletes and police officers for the future.

Over 200 kids, ages 12 to 16 years from five north Edmonton schools (Abbott, Ben Calf Robe/St. Clare, Rundle, St. Alphonsus, St. Bernadette), are participating in this year’s Alex Decoteau Run through Rundle Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2015.  The route is approximately three kilometres long.  All participants receive a t-shirt, water bottle, recreation pass, and an Alex Decoteau commemorative coin and comic book.

Izola Mottershead, Métis Elder and great niece of Alex Decoteau, is bringing greetings and saying an opening prayer for the students prior to the start of the Run.  The EPS Aboriginal Relations Unit is also setting up their tipi as well as an Alex Decoteau educational display (weather permitting).  Partnering to help make the event a success are the Edmonton Police Foundation, the City of Edmonton, and the Edmonton YMCA.

Alexander Wuttunee Decoteau was born on the Red Pheasant Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan, Canada, on Nov. 19, 1887.  He attended the Battleford Industrial School and was a good student and an exceptional athlete.  Alex moved to Edmonton to work in his brother’s machine shop in 1909.  In 1911, he joined the Edmonton Police Service (becoming Canada’s first Aboriginal police officer), and made Sergeant in 1914.  In 1916, he enlisted with the Canadian Army, and served until his death in the battle at Passchendaele, Belgium, on Oct. 30, 1917.

Throughout his lifetime, Alex Decoteau excelled at running and other sports.  Alex competed and set records in many local, national, and international sporting events such as the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, and is still considered one of Canada’s greatest marathon runners.  In 1967, he was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2014, a new downtown park and new southeast residential area in Edmonton were named in honour of Alex Decoteau.  That same year, EPS released the Alex Decoteau Legacy of Heroes Comic Book, the first in a series created to tell the remarkable stories of the people and events that are part of the Edmonton Police Service’s history.  Today, many of Alex’s trophies, photos, and other personal effects are still on display in the EPS Headquarters.

Although Alex Decoteau’s life was short, he triumphed over adversity and continues to serve as a positive role model for what young people can accomplish with their lives.

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Medical Examiner confirms male’s death was a homicide

The Edmonton Medical Examiner has released autopsy results surrounding the death of a 32-year-old male Thursday evening, confirming the man died as a result of a gun-shot wound to the chest.

Jason George Costouros, 32, of Edmonton, was pronounced deceased on scene last night, Thursday, May 28, 2015, outside of a residence near 212 Street and 88A Avenue in west Edmonton. Neighbours and police attempted to resuscitate the victim, but were unsuccessful.

This is the city’s eighth homicide of 2015.

Homicide detectives continue to interview witnesses regarding Thursday’s shooting death, and would like to hear from anyone who might have additional information about potential suspects. Please 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:
West Division patrol officers responded to a weapon’s complaint at a west-end residence, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015. Upon arrival, police found a male complainant deceased on the driveway of the residence.

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Police lay charges in May 12th hit-and-run

A 37-year-old driver involved in a hit-and-run collision on May 12, 2015, is facing numerous charges including attempted murder.

Northwest Division officers responded to a hit-and-run call at 129 Avenue and 126 Street, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Tuesday morning. It was reported to police by a male complainant that his vehicle had allegedly been struck by a Dodge duel wheel truck.

While officers were on scene and speaking with the complainant, the male suspect returned in the truck. The suspect then proceeded to drive the truck up onto the front yard of the residence and drove to the rear of the home where the complainant and two officers were standing. All three individuals were able to lunge out of the way and were unharmed.

The accused, Joseph Findlay, is charged with attempted murder (x3), assault, assault with a weapon, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon (x2), possession of stolen property over $5,000, obstruction, dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident (criminal hit and run), mischief under $5,000 and breach of recognizance (x2).

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Homicide Section investigating death of male in west Edmonton

The EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of a 32-year-old male following a shooting incident at a residence near 212 Street and 88A Avenue late Thursday evening, May 28, 2015.

West Division patrol officers responded to a weapon’s complaint at a nearby residence, at approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, police found a male complainant deceased on the driveway of the residence.

Anyone who has information about this shooting 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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Locket containing ashes found, returned to owner

The Edmonton Police Service received a call from a citizen yesterday regarding found property.

A citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, saw a news story about the stolen locket containing an infant’s ashes and contacted police around 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

Police officers identified the necklace as the stolen locket and it was returned to the family at 11:30 p.m. last night.

The Edmonton Police Service and the family would like to extend their gratitude to the public and the media for sharing this story and recovering the irreplaceable locket.

Background

The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen locket containing a baby boy’s ashes.

On Friday, May 22, 2015 at approximately 1 p.m., police responded to a break and enter call at a southeast Edmonton residence. Upon entering the house with the homeowner, the only item that was reported stolen was a jewelry box containing several items including a heart-shaped necklace that contains the ashes of the homeowner’s late son who passed away at birth in 2011. 

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Police seek public’s assistance in locating missing man last seen in northeast Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an Edmonton man who has not been seen since Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Steven Charles Gareau, 32, was reported missing to police on Monday, May 18, 2015, after his family became concerned that he had been out of contact. Gareau was last seen at a residence near 130 Avenue and 31 Street in Northeast Edmonton.

Gareau’s disappearance is considered out of character and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being.

He is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’7” tall and 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

Missing Person: Steven Charles Gareau, 32

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Charges laid in early morning shooting

A 47-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge and multiple firearm-related charges in connection with an incident early Monday (May 25, 2015) morning.

Southwest Division officers responded to a weapons complaint at 184 Street and Callingwood Road to find a suspect, being held by two citizens, and a 33-year old male who sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The accused is apprehended under the Mental Health Act and is facing a number of charges, including: attempted murder while using other firearms; use of a firearm during an indictable offence; careless use, storage, handling, and transportation of a firearm; possessing ammunition for the purpose of committing an indictable offence; possession of a firearm while unauthorized; and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

The victim remains in hospital and is in stable condition.

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