Police responded to a commercial alarm call at approximately 2:50 a.m. this morning in the area of 178 Street and 118 Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they found a 2001 Ford F150 truck that had collided with the side of a business building.

It is believed the vehicle was travelling northbound on 178 Street and failed to negotiate a turn as it approached the T-intersection at 118 Avenue.

“It appears the vehicle jumped the meridian and struck a sign, crossed 118 Avenue and then collided with the building,” says Const. Scott Deputat with the EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit

The 48-year-old male driver of the vehicle was declared deceased on scene.

Officers believe speed was a factor in the collision. The Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation.

This is Edmonton 14^th traffic fatality in 2015.

It is reported that a Ford Explorer travelling eastbound collided with a motorcycle travelling westbound that was making a left turn on to Anthony Henday South.

EMS responded to the scene, treated and transported the 55-year-old motorcycle operator to hospital where he was declared deceased.

There are no reports of injuries to the two occupants, a 59-year-old male driver and a 59-year-old female passenger, of the Ford Explorer.

Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors at this time.

This is the 15th fatal collision in 2015.

The investigation continues.

On Tuesday, July 7, 2015, police responded to a call of an attempted sexual assault at approximately 5 p.m. in Mill Creek Ravine, near 76 Avenue and 95 Street. It is reported that a 26-year-old female was walking in the river valley when she was allegedly approached from behind by a male, grabbed and forced into the treeline.

It is reported the male suspect was holding a knife and attempted to sexually assault the woman. She screamed for help and an individual in the area approached to offer assistance. Police believe the suspect then fled northbound into the ravine.

The suspect is described as a Black male in his mid to late 20s, approximately 5’10”, with a thin build, a goatee and short hair. He was wearing a light-coloured, long sleeve shirt and may have been wearing glasses.

The EPS Sexual Assault Section continues to investigate.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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. 

West Division and Traffic Section officers responded to the report of a collision in the area of Anthony Henday Drive and 101 Avenue at approximately 12:15 p.m. today. It is reported a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck was travelling southbound on Anthony Henday Drive when the vehicle veered off the road and entered the centre grassy boulevard.

Police believe the vehicle travelled on the centre boulevard for a short time and then struck an overhead sign. The vehicle came to rest upright along the west shoulder of Anthony Henday Drive northbound, approximately 300 metres north of Stony Plain Road.

The 47-year-old male driver, the only occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

Police believe speed played a role in the collision. Other factors remain under investigation.

The Edmonton Police Service Major Collision Investigation Unit has taken over the ongoing investigation.

“We’ve seen a startling number of traffic fatalities in the past few weeks in our city. It’s a concern to both police and citizens,” says Sgt. Alvarado with the EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit.

“We’re reminding Edmontonians to make safe driving decisions every time you’re behind the wheel – drive defensively, wear a seatbelt, never drive impaired and don’t speed. This applies in all road conditions.”

This is Edmonton’s 16^th traffic fatality in 2015.

Anyone who has information about the collision is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

Southwest Division officers responded to a report of mischief to “The Rescue” memorial statue, located in Gazebo Park at 105 Street and 83 Avenue. Officers found the statue vandalized – the memorial plaque defaced with black marker and the choke cherry tree beside the statue cut down.

Officers believe the act of vandalism took place on Friday evening sometime between 5-6 p.m., possibly during a Whyte Avenue art festival.

“Vandalism is never acceptable, but especially concerning about this incident is we believe it occurred on the day of retired Fire Captain Edward Paul’s funeral service,” says Const. Mike Schnurer with EPS Whyte Avenue Beats. “It’s an upsetting act of mischief.”

Police believe patrons attending a nearby restaurant patio may have witnessed the event and are asking anyone with information to contact police.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

On Sunday (July 12, 2015) police responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 5:30 a.m. in the area of 49 Avenue and 111A Street. Upon arrival, police and EMS found a 27-year-old female who had sustained gunshot wounds. She was treated at the scene and transported to hospital by EMS where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Police are looking for two suspects who fled the residence and are driving a small two-door, black vehicle. The first suspect is described as a 6’2” olive-skinned male in his mid-to-late 20’s, approximately 250 lbs, husky build, with long black hair. He was last seen wearing a white and blue T-shirt.

The second suspect is described as a 6’0” olive-skinned male in his mid-to-late 20’s, slim build with black hair and was last seen wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. Both suspects are believed to be armed and dangerous.

“We believe this residence was specifically targeted and the incident was drug-related,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Clark with the Homicide Section.

An autopsy into the woman’s death is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

EPS Homicide Section continues to investigate.

No further information is available at this time.

Police encourage anyone who may have seen this vehicle or anything suspicious in the area to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #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.

Kathleen  Emma Morton, 27, died as a result of being shot.

Homicide Section continues to investigate.

This is Edmonton’s 12^th homicide of 2015.

Anyone who has information about this incident is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #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.

On July 16, 2015 at 8:30 a.m., police determined that the truck had been stolen moments earlier and fled the area westbound along 87 Avenue. The injured male received medical attention on scene before being transported to hospital for further medical assessment of injuries sustained from being struck then dragged along the roadway.

Further investigation revealed the male was a maintenance worker who had parked his work truck within a parking lot near 87 Avenue and 114 Street. The male later observed someone driving his truck from the lot. The vehicle then proceeded toward the male, who was wearing a high-visibility safety vest, and he was initially struck. After the hit and run, the truck continued to approach 87 Avenue while the male was holding onto the side for approximately two blocks before he became dislodged.      

The male is being treated for non-life threatening injuries and is expected to be released from hospital later today.

The lone suspect (driver) was described as a female with hair worn in a ponytail. Police continue to interview witnesses and will obtain video surveillance from a number of sources if available.

At approximately 12:45 a.m., police located the stolen 2008 grey Dodge Ram abandoned in alley near 84 Avenue and 110 Street. The location of the truck was provided by a citizen who called police after details of the truck were broadcast by the media.

Anyone who may have witnessed this hit and run is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

A 36-year-old female was walking alone in the area of Walker Lakes in the Summerside area, near 80 Street and 12 Avenue SW at 4 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2015. The female heard loud music coming from an open garage by a lane and saw two men.  As the complainant continued walking she heard someone whistle so she began to run but was allegedly overrun and knocked to the ground by two males. 

It is reported that one of the males allegedly sexually assaulted her while the other male assisted in holding her down and attempted to steal her property.  The complainant was released by the suspects when she screamed for help. She ran to a nearby street where she flagged down a passing off-duty taxi.

Suspect #1 is described as a Caucasian male, 6’1” tall, and weighs 230 lbs. He has short brown trimmed hair that was spiked, brown eyes, short trimmed beard and moustache and was wearing a long sleeved hooded jacket. 

Suspect #2 is described as a tall and thin male who was also was wearing a long sleeved hooded jacket. 

In addition to seeking the public’s assistance identifying the two suspects, Sexual Assault detectives are looking for: 

• Witnesses who saw or heard the complainant, the suspects or the alleged sexual assault;
• The taxi driver who assisted the complainant; and
• The location of the garage that was playing loud music.

Anyone who has information about this reported crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

Between April and mid-July 2015, the EPS investigated 23 reported locker thefts at recreation centres in Southwest Division. Unsecured property and unlocked lockers were targeted, along with lockers equipped with lower quality locks that are easily removed with tools.

Overall attendance at City recreation centres in south Edmonton during this period was approximately 600,000.

Property stolen from lockers typically includes mobile phones, wallets, credit cards and keys. Police believe theft in recreation centres usually occurs between 1 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Locker theft crimes are not specific to Edmonton’s southwest; officers from Southeast Division report similar trends.

“We’ve responded to 21 reports of locker theft at southeast recreation centres since May,” says Staff Sgt. Mark Cochlin. “It’s a crime of opportunity that occurs throughout the city. Citizens need to actively protect themselves.”

The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Police Service continue to work together to counter the issue.

"The City is committed to providing safe and welcoming recreation centres and we take every instance of theft very seriously," said Evelyn Ehrman, a director with the City's Community and Recreation Facilities Branch. "Along with support from the Edmonton Police Service, we've taken steps to deter theft at our facilities, but customers still need to be aware of the risks and take care to lock their valuables, or leave them at home."

Recent measures taken to reduce incidents of theft at facilities include a Don’t Take the Bait locker alarm pilot, the implementation of a locker room concierge program, providing free valuables lockers that are within sight of front counter staff, and looking to employees to greet and engage with customers.   

Reduce the chance of locker theft with these tips:

• Do not bring unnecessary valuables, large sums of money or heirlooms to store in a locker.
• Take advantage of facility “valuables lockers” located within sight of front desk staff.
• Invest in a high quality lock and always fully engage the lock. Spin the dial of a combination lock after securing.
• Do not share your lock combination. Store extra lock keys with you or in a safe location.
• Do not record the combination on the lock or near the locker.
• Avoid sharing a locker.
• Contact police and alert recreation centre staff if you observe suspicious activity or are a victim of locker theft.

The Edmonton Police Service responded to a weapons complaint around 5:50 a.m. at a residence in the area of Habitat Crescent and Hermitage Road. It is reported that three males entered the property and allegedly shot another male. The three suspects fled eastbound from the house.

EMS responded, treated and transported the 32-year-old male to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police believe this is a targeted event.

Minutes later, multiple gun shots were heard in the area of 47 Street and 118 Avenue.

Police were also called to assist EMS at 47 Street and 119 Avenue with a man who appeared to be impaired in a vehicle.

It is not known at this time if these three incidents are related.

Police continue to investigate and are asking the public to contact EPS if they witnessed or heard anything related to these three events.

Anyone who may have witnessed these incidents is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

Tyler Gordan Strathdee, 26, of Edmonton was charged on Friday, July 10, 2015, with kidnapping, sexual assault with threats, uttering death threats, robbery and breach of recognizance.

“We received numerous tips from the public which ultimately helped us apprehend and charge the suspect,” said Det. Dave Pelech with the EPS Sexual Assault Section. “We are very grateful for the public’s help and always encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to come forward. The smallest tip can sometimes make the biggest difference in a case.”

Sexual Assault Section continues to investigate.

Background

On Saturday, June 27, 2015, police responded to a reported sexual assault around noon in the area of 106A Avenue and 96 Street. It is reported that a 54-year-old female was allegedly confronted outside of her residence, forced back inside her residence and sexually assaulted. The male allegedly threatened the female and stole property from her. The suspect fled southwest on foot from the residence.

“This was a very brazen occurrence, as it happened in broad daylight,” said Det. Dave Pelech with the Sexual Assault Section. “We are looking to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect and we encourage anyone who has information to come forward.”

Reaugh is considered by police to be a violent offender who poses a risk of significant harm to the community.

Reaugh is residing in the Edmonton area and will be closely monitored by the Edmonton Police Service Behavioural Assessment Unit.

Sean Luther Reaugh, 36

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 195 lbs.

Eyes: Brown   Hair: Brown

The Edmonton Police Service is issuing this information and warning after careful deliberation of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is in the public interest to inform members of the community.

The intent of this information is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures. Releasing this information is not intended to encourage people to engage in any form of vigilante action.

This information is released under the authority of the FOIP Act, RSA 2000, C. F-25.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Northeast Division police officers responded to report of a stabbing around 10:15 p.m. at the K-Days festival.

It was reported that three males, aged 19, 22 and 26 were allegedly stabbed in the park. EMS responded, treated and transported the individuals to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“Police believe this was an isolated incident,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Cory Huculak, with Northeast Division. “The three complainants and suspect are known to police.”

A 21-year-old male was arrested on scene. His charges are unrelated to this incident.

“The complainants are not cooperating fully with police so we’re urging the public to call if they saw or heard anything related to this incident,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Huculak. 

Anyone who has information about this reported crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2015, Northeast Division police officers responded the Coliseum Transit Centre after ETS Security found an injured young male around 4 p.m.

EPS and EMS responded and found a 14-year-old male who was suffering from stab wounds. EMS treated and transported the youth to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

With the assistance of ETS Security and their clear surveillance footage, EPS arrested a 16-year-old male on scene. He was charged with possession of a weapon, assault causing bodily hard and breach of recognizance (x3).   

The names of the youth will not be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone who has information about this reported crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #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.

“Police are expecting increased pedestrians with festivals at Northlands Park this week,” says Acting Sgt. Keith Pitzel.  “The goal of this CAT deployment is to increase public safety with a higher police presence in hotspots around Northeast Division.”

Northeast Division invites all community members to a FREE barbeque from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. in a parking lot at 64 Street and 118 Avenue. Bent Arrow Healing Society will be volunteering at the barbeque.

This week’s CAT Deployment will include the neighbourhoods of Montrose, Bellevue, Newton, Highlands, Beacon Heights, Beverly Heights, Abbottsfield and Rundle Heights, along with high traffic travel routes.

Historically, an increase in population through this area has resulted in an increase in criminal activity including illegal parking, aggressive panhandling, and vandalism to property and vehicles. There have also been reports of thefts from autos, assaults and personal robberies. 

“The mission of this CAT deployment is to suppress, disrupt and prevent criminal activity in the area through increased visibility of uniformed EPS members actively patrolling the area on foot, on bicycle and in marked Patrol vehicles,” says Acting Sgt. Pitzel.

Civilian volunteer members of the Highlands Neighbourhood Patrol, will be also be operating in the area during each night of the deployment, in order to engage and empower members of the community.

The CAT deployments are highly visible and mobile, and have been successful in quickly addressing a wide range of criminal and social issues.               

For more information about the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy, please visit: www.edmontonpolice.ca/vrs.

The ceremonies will take place:

Friday, July 24 2015

from 1 – 3 p.m.

City Room (Main Floor) Edmonton City Hall

1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

All media are invited to attend the graduation ceremony. Anne Gray, EPS Corporate Communications, will be on-site as of 1 p.m. to arrange media interviews with the graduates.

Media interviews with graduates will take place when the ceremonies end (approximately 2:15 p.m.)

On Monday, July 13, 2015 at approximately 11:45 p.m. police conducted a vehicle stop in the area of 118 Avenue and Wayne Gretzky Drive on a suspected stolen vehicle. Further information obtained at that time led police to search the vehicle where a loaded gun was found along with 1.2 g of methamphetamine, 3 g of cocaine and about 7.8 g of heroin.

Christopher Jonathon Hamm, 38, was charged with possession of stolen property over $5000, possession of stolen property under $5000, possession of methamphetamine,  possession of cocaine, possession of heroin,  possession prohibited firearm (x2), possession of loaded prohibited firearm,  unauthorized possession of firearm in vehicle,  possession of firearm knowing unauthorized,  unauthorized possession of firearm, possession of offensive weapon dangerous to public and careless storage of firearm, weapon, ammunition.

Janine Mitchell, 33, was charged with possession of stolen property over $5000, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of heroin, possession prohibited firearm (x2), possession of loaded prohibited firearm, unauthorized possession of firearm in vehicle, possession of firearm knowing unauthorized, unauthorized possession of firearm, possession of offensive weapon dangerous to public and careless storage of firearm, weapon, and ammunition.

In November 2014, the Edmonton Police Service began an investigation into fraudulent ticket sales on Kijiji Canada. Multiple reports to police allege that online buyers were contacted after posting advertisements for wanted event tickets on the classifieds website.

The ticket seller would then allegedly ask the buyer for an electronic money transfer and after receiving payment, fail to provide the agreed upon product.

The investigation led to the arrest of Elias Batraki, a 30-year-old Edmonton resident. Police have laid 109 fraud and impersonation-related charges against the man.

Police believe Batraki was involved with more than 80 fraudulent online transactions from January to November 2014, targeting people across Canada who were looking to purchase concert and sporting event tickets. Investigation revealed Batraki was assisted by a female accomplice.

“We’ve identified 88 complainants and more than $12,000 lost to fraud in the investigation, but this is likely a small snapshot of the problem,” says Acting Det. Mike Walkom with EPS Downtown Division.

“Online fraud rarely occurs as a single incident. If you are a victim, please report it – this information identifies crime trends and can lead to an arrest, as in this case. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or simply write off the loss.”

Kijiji Canada worked closely with the Edmonton Police Service throughout the investigation and continues to assist the EPS with similar reported incidents of crime.

These investigations are part of the Online Fencing Project, an EPS initiative that focuses on stolen property and fraudulent services offered for sale online. The pilot project began in late 2013.

Through the Online Fencing Project, the EPS has charged close to 50 people with approximately 450 criminal offences in relation to trafficking stolen property and fraud. Police have recovered more than $200,000 in stolen property, including vehicles and ATVs, jewelry, sports equipment, tickets, appliances, passports and prohibited weapons.

“The public needs to be aware of the dangers associated with purchasing items online from unknown sellers,” adds Acting Det. Walkom. “The EPS has apprehended individuals for selling stolen property on Kijiji who were carrying weapons at the time of arrest or had firearms close by.”

“Be vigilant and protect yourself on the web. The Online Fencing Project has been successful and is still ongoing, but it has uncovered an extensive amount of criminal activity.”

Avoid becoming a victim of similar crime with the following tips:

• Ask for a bill of sale and identification from the seller. Ensure the identification provided matches the seller.
• Be wary of e-tickets that can be easily reproduced and distributed. When possible, meet at a location where tickets can be verified.
• Conduct all transactions in person, in a public location with video surveillance when possible.
• Check the Canadian Police Information Centre database to see if an item has been reported stolen: http://www.cpic-cipc.ca/index-eng.htm
• Ask questions of the seller if an item is priced noticeably below market value: Why is the item discounted? Can the seller provide a purchase receipt?