Police charge male in connection to ATM theft

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a man in connection to an ATM theft that occurred this morning.

On Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, police responded to a report of an intrusion alarm at a cash advance merchant just before 6:30 a.m. in the area of 55 Street and 137 Avenue.

Upon arrival, police determined that heavy machinery damaged the front of the building. Northeast Division’s patrol sergeant observed a front-end loader a few blocks away and a vehicle stop was attempted.

“When the vehicle didn’t stop for police, a very low speed pursuit ensured,” says Staff Sgt. James Vanderland with Northeast Division. “Police followed the vehicle for about 5 minutes going under 20 km/h.”

The suspect vehicle pulled over and finally stopped. There was an ATM located in the bucket of the front-end loader. The male driver was arrested without incident.

Christopher Hoffele, 29, was charged with break and enter, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of break-in instruments.

A similar incident occurred in West Edmonton yesterday.

On Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, police were called to a business in the area of 133 Street and 114 Avenue just after 8:15 a.m. on the report of property damage. It was reported that an ATM was stolen and one wall of the business was severely damaged. Police believe heavy machinery may have also been used in this crime.

Police believe both incidents may be connected and continue to investigate.

Anyone who has information about these incidents 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.

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EPS charge man in relation to human trafficking; detectives seek additional complainants

The Edmonton Police Service has laid 18 charges against Omar Abdi Ahmed (also known as Jojo), 24, in connection to human trafficking.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, West Division patrol officers received information that a female had been sexually assaulted in the area of 154 Street and 111 Avenue. Upon further investigation, it was determined that an 18-year-old female had allegedly been assaulted and trafficked by Ahmed over several days.

Six charges were laid against Ahmed in relation to this incident, which include: human trafficking, procuring, receiving a financial or material benefit from sexual services, advertising sexual services, sexual assault and unlawful confinement.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, Southwest Division patrol officers responded to a call in the area of 38 Avenue and Gateway Blvd on the report of an assault. When officers arrived, they located a 20-year-old female who was also allegedly trafficked by Ahmed.

An additional 12 charges were laid against Ahmed in connection to this incident, which include: human trafficking, receiving a financial or material benefit from sexual services, procuring, advertising sexual services, withholding traffic documents, forcible confinement, uttering threats, choking with intent to overcome, assault, mischief and breach of recognizance (x2).

“Human trafficking and exploitation of sexual services providers are a concern not only in Edmonton but in cities and towns across Canada,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Melanie Grace from Vice Unit.

 “I encourage anyone who has been approached by Ahmed or feels they have been trafficked or exploited by him to contact police as soon as possible. The Edmonton Police Service Vice Unit, along with the support of its dedicated community partners, is committed to thoroughly investigating reports made by any person who believes they are a victim of, or witness to, these types of exploitation,” says Grace.

Investigators believe Ahmed may have trafficked other women in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He may be using social media to approach women.

Investigators are also releasing a photo of the accused as they believe there may be additional complainants, as well as witnesses who may have any information.

Omar Abdi Ahmed, 24
Also known as “Jojo”
Charged with human trafficking

Any persons that have been involved with Ahmed are 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.

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Police respond to weapons complaint at downtown residence

Downtown Division patrol officers are investigating a weapons complaint that was reported earlier today.

On Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, around 11 a.m., police responded to the area of 113 Street and 109 A Avenue and located a residence which appeared to have been shot at.

No injuries have been reported.  

Police continue to investigate this incident.

Anyone who has information about this incident 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.

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Autopsy results in Longridge homicide

The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Rachael Longridge, 21, today (Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016) and determined the cause of death to be a result of multiple sharp forced injuries.

The weapon will not be disclosed at this time.

The investigation continues.

Background

Northwest Division officers responded to a call for service regarding an assault just after 4:30 p.m. at a residence in the area of 122 Ave and 132 Street on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

EPS and EMS responded to the address where they found a severely injured female who died on scene soon thereafter.

Christine Longridge, 50, has been charged with second degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the homicide of her daughter, Rachael Longridge, 21.

This is Edmonton’s 41^st homicide in 2016.

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8th Annual McCauley Cup

Downtown Division police officers will lace up their skates for a friendly game of hockey at the McCauley ice rink this afternoon.

Today’s game (Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016) marks the 8^th Annual McCauley Cup. The hockey game was originally introduced by a Downtown Beat police officer who wanted to bridge the gap between themselves and the community. Since, the game has grown in popularity and no matter the weather; youth from the neighbourhood are always ready to showcase their new skills to the police officers and spectators.

“Youth in the neighbourhood return every winter to play hockey against police officers,” says Const. Andrew Melney with Downtown Division and organizer of the McCauley Cup. “We are continuing to build on those positive relationships and are getting to know new kids and community members every year.”

The puck drops at 1p.m. at the McCauley outdoor skating rink, located at 96 Street and 108 Avenue. All media are invited to the game for photo/video opportunities.

All spectators are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation to the Edmonton Food Bank.

Players and visitors will enjoy a bonfire, hot drinks and some light refreshments.

Thank you to our gracious sponsors: United Cycle, Sport Central, K.I.D.S., Elite Sport Awards, and Oilers Alumni.

EPS would like to thank the Edmonton Police Foundation and the McCauley Community League for their continued support with the 8^th Annual McCauley Cup.

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Police locate missing 60-year-old woman

The missing 60-year-old woman was located around 7:30 p.m. this evening (Saturday, Dec. 25, 2016) in the area of 101 Street and Jasper Avenue. She is safe and unharmed.

Thank you for your assistance in posting her information.

The woman’s name and picture can now be removed from your respective publications.

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Charges laid in 41st homicide in Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Homicide Section has charged a woman in connection with a homicide that occurred at a residence in northwest Edmonton yesterday.

Christine Longridge, 50, has been charged with second degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the homicide of her daughter, Rachael Longridge, 21.

“This is a disheartening crime,” says S/Sgt. Bill Clark. “Through the investigation, we learned Rachael just graduated at the top of her nursing class and was about to start a new position at a local hospital.”

An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate.

This is Edmonton’s 41^st homicide in 2016.

Background

Northwest Division officers responded to a call for service regarding an assault just after 4:30 p.m. at a residence in the area of 122 Ave and 132 Street on Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

EPS and EMS responded to the address where they found a severely injured female who died on scene soon thereafter.

Police took an adult female into custody.

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