Apartment fire leaves one in life threatening condition

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating after fire broke out at an apartment complex Sunday morning (Nov. 29, 2015), leaving a male resident with life threatening injuries.

Downtown Division officers responded to the report of a fire at an apartment building in the area of 115 Street and 107 Avenue at approximately 7:40 a.m. this morning.

Fire Rescue Services contained the blaze and residents were evacuated. A 54-year-old man was treated and transported to hospital with life threatening injuries. He remains in hospital in critical condition.

The EPS Homicide Section and Arson Unit have taken over the ongoing investigation. At this time, the incident is considered suspicious.

Anyone who has information about this fire 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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Police active in McCauley for downtown CAT deployment

Officers from Downtown Division and the EPS Community Action Team (CAT) have been targeting the McCauley neighbourhood this week, connecting directly with citizens and community agencies to build partnerships and reduce crime in the area.

“We’ve visited more than 140 homes in the McCauley area during the CAT deployment this week,” says Acting Sgt. Hector Gonzalez with Downtown Division. “We’re meeting residents in the area, listening to their concerns and providing crime prevention materials. These face-to-face conversations with the public are so important. We’re policing in partnership with the community.”

The public will continue to see an increased police presence in McCauley through Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 as the EPS connects with members of the public, patrols hot spot locations for suspicious activity and conducts traffic enforcement along roadways.

A traffic stop by officers involved with the CAT deployment on Wednesday (Nov. 25, 2015) resulted in a drug-related charge; nearly one full ounce of cocaine with an approximate street value of $2130 was located on a male driver.

“We’re focused on reducing this type of criminal activity in the area,” says Acting Sgt. Gonzalez. “The CAT deployment allows the EPS to address current crime and disorder and build our community partnerships to reduce these issues in the future.”

Members of the public are invited to come out and meet Downtown Division officers, pick up crime prevention brochures and enjoy a free barbecue:

CAT Deployment Community Barbecue

Friday, Nov. 27, 2015

6-8 p.m.

McCauley Boys & Girls Club

9425 109A Avenue

Community Action Team deployments are part of the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy and have been successful in addressing a wide range of criminal and social issues. For more information about the Violence Reduction Strategy, visit http://ift.tt/1nGLPye.

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Officer assaulted, suspect located in tree

A 27-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly assaulted an EPS officer and then fled up a tree in southwest Edmonton last night (Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015).

An officer from Southwest Division responded to a call of a male walking erratically on the shoulder of Anthony Henday Drive, south of 87 Avenue, at approximately 9:50 p.m. The police vehicle approached the pedestrian and when an officer attempted to speak with the male, the man sprayed the officer with what is believed to be bear spray and a round was subsequently discharged by police.

The man fled southbound to a wooded area. Southwest Division officers, Canine Unit, Tactical Unit and Air 1 located the male at approximately 10:30 p.m. – the male had climbed approximately 10 m (30 ft) up a tree.

After four hours of negotiation, the man surrendered. In addition to the bear spray, officers also located a replica firearm in his possession. The man did not sustain injury during the incident.

Frederick Andrews, 27, is charged with assault peace officer with a weapon, possession of a weapon and breach of recognizance. The suspect also had fourteen outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, assault, possession of a weapon and several breaches.

The officer sustained non-life threatening injuries. The incident is still under investigation by the Edmonton Police Service.

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20th Anniversary of Child At Risk Response Team

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Child At Risk Response Team (CARRT). In honor of this special occasion Mayor Iveson has issued a proclamation designating November 26, 2015 as ‘Child At Risk Response Team Day’ in Edmonton.

CARRT is a partnership between the Edmonton Police Service and Children Services. Each team is made up of a police officer and a social worker. These teams respond to occurrences where children are at immediate risk, i.e. physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. CARRT members are based out of the Zebra Child Protection Centre.

Many community partners support CARRT, including the Stollery Children’s Hospital. There are medical professionals at the Stollery who are specially trained in detecting signs of abuse.

CARRT provides an effective response to ensure that children-at-risk are identified as early as possible. They work with the families, providing supports and resources to ensure the best level of intervention. CARRT started out with only one police officer and one social worker; today, there are six teams in place.

The Edmonton Police Service is proud to be a partner in this important program.

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Autopsy completed in weekend homicide

The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in connection to the death of a 36-year-old female over the weekend.

Crystal Corinne Bruce, 36, was found deceased at a residence in the area of 49 Street and 134 Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015.

The cause of death will not be released at this time and the manner of death has been deemed as homicide.

Ashlee Dawn Bruce, 29, has since been charged with second-degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and assault with a weapon.

Homicide Section continues to investigate.

This is Edmonton’s 23^rd homicide of 2015.

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Autopsy determines northwest death non-suspicious

The Edmonton Medical Examiner concluded an autopsy yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, in connection to what was originally deemed a suspicious death in northwest Edmonton.

Northwest Division officers responded to a 911 call for assistance from Fire at an address near 121 Avenue and 123 Street at approximately 10:40 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015.

A man was located inside the residence with signs of trauma and was treated and transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The man’s death is considered non-criminal.

No further information is available.

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“Without consent, it’s not sent”

Sexual Assault Voices of Edmonton (SAVE)--an Edmonton-based society comprised of the Edmonton Police Service, Responsible Hospitality Edmonton, the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, the University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre, and the Canadian Red Cross--is launching a new campaign today addressing consent and technology.

Without consent, it’s not sent. The tag line of SAVEdmonton’s new campaign is to educate the public on consent and technology. Sharing an intimate photo of someone without consent is never OK. In fact, it’s against the law.

“As technology becomes an increasingly common site for sexual experimentation, we are also seeing a disturbing and pervasive trend where technology is used to enact sexual violence by sharing intimate photos of individuals without their consent,” says Dr. Cristina Stasia, Chairperson for SAVEdmonton.

Earlier this year, Bill C-13, the anti-cyber bullying law was passed. This legislation states that it is illegal for anyone to share intimate photos of a person without their consent.

“We are aware that intimate photos are being distributed without consent,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes with the Edmonton Police Service. “At EPS, we’re also aware that these types of crimes are under reported, perhaps because of fear and embarrassment.”

SAVEdmonton created this campaign to help alleviate some of the fear and embarrassment that victims of this crime may feel by providing non-victim blaming education that places the onus and responsibility on the person who is considering sharing a photo without consent instead of on the victim.

This campaign targets its message at youth and young adults who may find themselves in the position of bystander – someone who has received a photo of someone without consent and is considering what action to take. SAVEdmonton is encouraging people to #DeleteIt (delete the image) as the campaign tag line states, “without consent, it’s not sent.” 

#DeleteIt has been created to start the consent awareness conversation on social media.

“Campaign posters will be seen on Edmonton transit, in restaurants and bars as well as schools,” says Stasia. “Conversation and awareness around consent is crucial for youth to comprehend and put into practice.”

SAVEdmonton would like to thank the Edmonton Public School Board and Edmonton Catholic School District for supporting this campaign. Posters and educational materials will be seen at local schools.

SAVEdmonton Partners:

• Edmonton Police Service
• Responsible Hospitality Edmonton
• Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
• University of Alberta Sexual Assault Centre
• Canadian Red Cross

SAVEdmonton’s “Don’t be that Guy” campaign that was originally unveiled in November 2010 and a second rendition was launched in November 2012. The campaign continues its momentum with law enforcement agencies, schools and other organizations using the campaign for their respective audiences. 

Read the backgrounder for more information and visit SAVEdmonton to download the posters.

 

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