In the 24-hour period of the enforcement campaign, which took place on July 28, 2015, 2,229 speeding violations were issued. There were also 374 additional violations, including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

“Although the summer weather is here for us to enjoy, drivers must not forget the posted speed limit is not just a recommendation,” says Staff Sgt. Randy Loxterkamp with the Edmonton Police Specialize Traffic Operation Section.  “Operations 24 Hours is a reminder to all drivers that road safety collision prevention is paramount.”

There were a total of 2,604 tickets issued for the July 2015 Operation 24 Hours, which is a slight decrease from the 2,808 tickets issued during the June 2015 enforcement initiative.

The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety coordinate many educational and enforcement initiatives such as Operation 24 Hours throughout the year to improve traffic safety on city streets.

The cellphones were advertised on Kijiji as brand new, boxed, Samsung S6 cellphones. The buyers met the seller in various public locations in Edmonton and purchased the cellphones for between $450 and $600, paying cash each time. The complainants discovered after purchase that the cellphones were not Samsung S6 phones, but counterfeits that did not function properly.

A Constable in Southwest Division investigated the complaints and found that dozens of these counterfeit cellphones had been advertised for sale on Kijiji in Edmonton within a four-week period. After a two-week investigation, a suspect was arrested and charged with fraud.

Investigations also revealed that the counterfeit cellphones were purchased online from overseas.

An 18-year-old male was charged with two counts of fraud under $5,000.

“If a deal is too good to be true, it most likely is,” says Const. Tyrone O’Dea of Southwest Division, who investigated the frauds. “A buyer should ask a lot of questions about the product, and ask the seller to produce a sales receipt.”

At approximately 3:06 a.m. today (Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015) the driver of a Toyota Camry travelling east on Yellowhead Trail, observed an RCMP Checkstop positioned at 17 Street and made a U-turn, heading westbound against traffic on Yellowhead Trail.

Shortly after, the Toyota Camry collided head on with a Mercedes Benz SUV travelling east bound. The Camry was found on its roof in the green space between the east and west bound lanes of Yellowhead Trail, at approximately 35 Street.   The Toyota also collided with a Chevrolet Cobalt that was also travelling eastbound on Yellowhead Trail.

The 21-year-old male driver of the Camry and a 21-year-old female passenger located in the rear seat were pronounced deceased on scene. A 22-year-old male occupying the front passenger seat sustained severe injuries and was treated and transported to hospital.

The 33-year-old male driver of the Mercedes SUV sustained severe injuries, and was treated and taken to hospital. The 23-year-old female driver of the Cobalt was also treated and taken to hospital as a precaution for a less severe injury.

Due to the circumstances involved, ASIRT has been directed to conduct a review of the EPS investigation by the Director of Law Enforcement.

Speed and alcohol are considered to be factors in this collision. All involved drivers and passengers were found to be wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.

These are Edmonton’s 17^th and 18^th traffic fatalities of 2015.

"PYEP aims to bring police and youth together, remove misconceptions on both sides, build trust, and create a safe and comfortable environment in which dialogue can occur," said Hawa Barud, PYEP Coordinator.

This allows youth to become ambassadors within their own respective communities, while expanding police knowledge about certain ethno-cultural communities and the issues that affect them.

Barud adds, "It also allows youth to foster positive relationships with the police that can overcome previously held negative opinions about police and their role in the community.  As a previous participant and a person from one of the ethno-cultural communities, my experience has given me a greater understanding of the importance of discourse between youth and Edmonton police."

In its second year, PYEP has shown that cultivating positive relationships between youth and police is a successful tactic in developing youth leadership skills and for keeping youth away from crime.

Approximately 38 youths, ages 14 to 17 years, from the city's emerging African-Canadian communities are participating in PYEP from Aug. 4 to 8, 2015.  The youth represent the Sudanese, Somali, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Oromo communities.

Participants get a behind-the-scenes look at policing in Edmonton, receive specialized training, and develop skills in communication, problem-solving and community capacity building.   

"PYEP is a platform for police to engage with Edmonton’s ethno-cultural youth and initiate a positive connection," says Acting Sgt. Harpreet Jhinjar with the EPS Community Operations Support Unit.  "Engaging with the youth is an essential part in establishing and building long-term relationships with these communities."

PYEP is offered free of charge to participants through the support of the Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Police Foundation, the Tembo Committee, the City of Edmonton, and REACH Edmonton.

Various police units, along with their community partners, will spend the duration of four shifts focusing on responding to the unique needs of two diverse patrol areas within the West Division boundaries.

“The large industrial areas do present policing challenges as they are so spread out, and in some cases operate around the clock,” says Acting Sergeant Bryce Healey. “The needs of these stakeholders are often focused around property crimes such as theft or break and enter to fenced compounds.”  

On the flipside, restaurants, hotels and shopping centres often contact police to respond to a broad range of concerns, such as panhandling, suspicious persons or crimes to vehicles. For locals, as well as those in town for business and pleasure, these crime and disorder issues can have a ripple effect.   

“We have had a long, positive history of working with most of the hotels in the westend. We both want to ensure that out-of-town guests are not left with a negative experience when visiting our city. Often times we have to remind travellers to lock their doors and remove valuables from their vehicle – that simple reminder is often enough,” says Acting Sgt. Healey.

West Division invites all community members to a FREE barbeque from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Officers and other resources will be available during the barbeque to answer any questions and provide additional resource material. For citizens interested in attending, there will be barbeques at two locations during the four-night crime prevention effort. The first two nights (Aug. 5-6), police will be set-up at a parking lot near 153 Street and 111 Avenue (near Jiffy Lube). The final two evenings (Aug. 7-8), police will be available in the northeast corner of Mayfield Common (near Save-On-foods). 

Civilian volunteer members of the Community Police Radio Network (CPRN) will assist police over the weekend with particular focus in and around the industrial areas. CPRN has been assisting police in the west end for over 20 years by driving around neighbourhoods and reporting suspicious vehicles, persons and incidents to police.

As the case with most CAT deployments, additional resources will attend to engage and empower members of the community. The following partners will attend the barbeque and are available to answer questions from the public:

• Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
• Metis Child, Family and Community Services
• REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities
• Crime Stoppers
• NET (Neighbourhood Empowerment Team)
• CEASE (Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation)
• City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation
• Edmonton Public School (Mayfield representative)  

The CAT deployments are part of the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy and have been successful in reducing crime and disorder in communities across the city.  For specific details and information about the Community Action Team (CAT) or the Violence Reduction Strategy, visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/CAT.

At approximately 5 a.m. today (Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015), the Edmonton Police Service was called to a report of a shot fired in the area of 168 Avenue and 51 Street.

Officers located a 23-year-old male outside on the ground who had sustained a gunshot wound. The male was treated and transported to hospital where he remains at this time. His injuries appear serious and non-life threatening.  

A black sedan with three black males was seen leaving the area, travelling southbound to 167 Avenue. Police believe the vehicle may be connected to the reported shooting and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact EPS.

Police believe this is not a random event. Northeast Division continues to investigate.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to call 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 8, 2015, police responded to a collision near 82 (Whyte) Avenue and 99 Street at approximately 2:15 a.m.

It was reported a BMW was travelling eastbound on 82 Avenue when it lost control east of 99 Street, striking objects on the south sidewalk before rolling over. The vehicle came to rest upside down underneath an apartment building awning near 98 Street and 82 Avenue.

The 21-year-old female passenger died on scene of the motor vehicle collision. The 30-year-old male driver was treated and transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, August 4, 2015.

Police believe speed and alcohol were factors in the collision. Charges will not be laid.

There have been 19 traffic fatalities in 17 collisions in Edmonton this year.

In the 24-hour enforcement blitz on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, officers handed out 480 distracted driving violations city-wide. More than 96 per cent of these offences (463 of 480 tickets) were issued to drivers distracted by a cellular phone.

Alberta Transportation research shows that distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers.

“It can take less than a second of distraction for a tremendous, life-altering incident to occur,” says Sgt. David Green with the EPS Hit and Run Unit. “It is imperative for drivers to be alert and aware at all times when operating a vehicle.”

Police also issued nine tickets to drivers using other hand-held wireless devices and an additional three tickets to drivers operating vehicles while using GPS, reading/reviewing material and engaging in personal hygiene.

Downtown Division officers were in the area of 104 Avenue and 109 Street when they witnessed a driver brushing his teeth behind the wheel, which resulted in the distracting driving ticket for engaging in personal hygiene.

“Any distraction from the road, including makeup application, shaving, flossing or brushing your teeth is just as dangerous as any other distracting activity while behind the wheel,” said Green.

The Camrose Police Service also participated in the campaign blitz, issuing ten tickets.

The Hang Up and Drive campaign has been initiated by the EPS to reduce incidents of distracted driving in the city, and through a combination of education and enforcement, reduce the number of collisions caused by distracted driving.

Earlier this week, the Edmonton Police Service received several reports regarding fraudulent tickets purchased for the Taylor Swift concert. Concert-goers attended the show on Aug. 4, 2015 and were turned away at the door when scanners indicated the tickets had already been used.

Police have connected six of these reports to Beckie Junkins, a 32-year-old woman from Edmonton. She was arrested without incident on Aug. 5, 2015 and is charged with fraud under $5,000 (x6) and uttering a forged document (x6).

It is reported Junkins posted concert tickets for sale on Facebook and Kijiji and made arrangements to meet with buyers in person.

From May 4 to July 27, Junkins allegedly met with six complainants throughout the city and exchanged black and white printed ticket copies for cash or electronic money transfer. Many of these ticket copies were for the same seats.

Investigation by Northeast Division officers revealed Junkinswas also in possession of duplicate tickets for other events such as Mumford & Sons, Foo Fighters and Eric Church. Police believe these fraudulent tickets were also offered for sale online.

Beckie Junkins’ photo is being released because there may be additional complainants who purchased fraudulent tickets from her. Police believe Junkins sold tickets using other names.

Beckie Junkins, 32

Anyone who purchased concert tickets from this individualis encouraged to attend a divisional station and provide a statement. Bring the tickets and reference EPS File 15-112353.

The Edmonton Police Service reminds citizens to use caution when purchasing tickets or property from non-licensed vendors. 

Police were called to 97 Street and 135 Avenue at approximately 12:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015. It was reported that a Toyota Camry was travelling northbound on 97 Street on a green light, when it struck a pedestrian crossing against a red light.

Police believe alcohol played a role in the pedestrian's involvement in the collision. The investigation is still ongoing by the EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit. Charges have not been laid.

The male pedestrian was 39-years-old.

This is Edmonton’s 20^th traffic fatality of 2015.

On Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, the Edmonton Police Service, EMS and Edmonton Fire responded to a two vehicle collision around 9:45 a.m. on Anthony Henday Drive at 91 Street that left the westbound lanes closed for several hours. 

The investigation revealed that a Dodge Avenger entered westbound on the Henday from 91 Street southbound. The vehicle crossed a solid line into the far right lane of the three-lane roadway. There was a semi-tractor (without a trailer) travelling westbound in the middle lane. It was reported that the Dodge then crossed into the middle lane, in front of the semi, causing the semi to strike the car on the driver side. The car landed in the green space on the Henday in between the eastbound and westbound lanes.

EMS treated and transported a 78-year-old male driver of the Dodge to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

There were no other injuries reported and there are no charges laid against the driver of the semi at this time.

All lanes of traffic have reopened. The investigation continues.

This is the 21^st traffic fatality in Edmonton this year.

It was reported that a break and enter occurred on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 just before 1 a.m. at a seniors care facility in the area of 28 Avenue and 66 Street. DeWalt tools and an undisclosed amount of cash were allegedly stolen by a male suspect.

“We believe this facility was targeted,” says Acting Det. Scott Gargan. “We are now at a point in the investigation where we are seeking the public’s assistance to identify a suspect in the surveillance video.”

The male suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his late 20s to early 30s and is about 5’8” tall with and athletic build.

Police are asking the public to view the surveillance video attached and to call police if they can identify the male suspect.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to call 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 Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, just before 6:30 p.m. Northeast Division responded to a collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle.  It is reported that a pickup truck approached a three way stop at 82 Street and Schonsee Way. 

The truck was traveling westbound, attempting to make a left turn (south) on to 82 Street when it collided with a motorcycle travelling northbound on 82 Street. 

The lone 28-year-old male motorcyclist was treated and transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. 

82 Street (both northbound and southbound lanes) are closed north of 167 Avenue at this time. 

Charges are pending the on-going investigation. 

This is Edmonton's 22nd fatal traffic collision in 2015. 

Anyone who has information about this collision is asked to call 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.

Homicide Detectives have arrested and charged:

Lana Jane Pelletier, 36, with 2^nd degree murder and John Charles Kisil, 50, with accessory after the fact to murder.

“The investigation is still ongoing and we continue to ask anyone who has information about the murder or what led up to it, to come forward to police,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Grimes of Homicide Section.

Anyone with information about Andrea Berg’s murder is asked to call 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.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 at 1:10 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Malibu in the area of 180 Street and Stony Plain Road after deeming the vehicle suspicious with broken windows.

Four occupants were in the vehicle – two males and two females. While one female was being arrested for breach of recognizance, police obtained evidence that prompted all of the occupants to be arrested for drug related charges. As police searched the vehicle, weapons, ammunition, a homemade firearm and a homemade improvised explosive device (IED) were located.

EPS Bomb Unit was called out to the scene and rendered the device safe.

Heather Wemp, 20, was charged with breach of recognizance (x4), and possession of a controlled substance.

Myles Caveny, 32, was charged with weapons for dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Scott Coughlan, 33, had 13 criminal warrants executed and was charged with breach of recognizance (x2).

Another female passenger was released without charges.

Police believe Awet Ghebre was last seen by his family on June 14, 2015 and last heard from when he called his family on June 17, 2015. He was reported missing on July 1, 2015.

There are concerns for the man’s well-being as his disappearance is out of character.

Awet Ghebre is described as a black male, approximately 5’9” tall, 155 lbs. with short, black hair. He has pierced ears and several tattoos on his right arm.

The EPS Homicide Section is assisting with this missing person investigation and officers are looking to speak with members of the public who have information about Ghebre’s disappearance.

Awet Ghebre, 23

Anyone who has information about this missing person 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.

The male suspect was alleged to be in a stolen black Dodge Ram truck on the Whitemud at 53 Avenue, when he was approached by an EPS cruiser. A criminal flight ensued at approximately 11:25 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015, at which time Air 1 tracked the suspect vehicle to 83 Street and 110 Avenue.

The male suspect then abandoned the stolen vehicle, which was believed to be involved in a commercial armed robbery in West Edmonton late Tuesday evening, when he was engaged by an EPS officer. The male suspect then peppered sprayed the officer, before fleeing on foot into a nearby apartment building.

Canine Unit members were called out, and a male suspect was located hiding inside a nearby apartment suite.

The unidentified male suspect is facing a plethora of charges, including possession of a weapon and assault ofapoliceofficerwithaweapon.

The investigation is ongoing.

The officer who was peppered sprayed in the face is in good condition.

During the 24-hour enforcement period on August 13, 2015, 2,046 speeding tickets were issued. There were also 488 violations issued for seatbelt infractions, distracted driving, impaired driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

One vehicle was recorded travelling 112 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on 184 Street at 126 Avenue. The male driver, who had recently received his licence back after a suspension for previous traffic offences, was issued a mandatory court appearance for speeding – exceeding limit by more than 50 km/h.

Last month, officers and automated enforcement issued 2,604 violations during Operation 24 Hours.

The 2,534 violations issued during the August 2015 Operation 24 Hours blitz is a 5% decrease from 2,671 issued in the August 2014 enforcement period.

The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton coordinate regular enforcement campaigns throughout the year to improve traffic safety on city streets.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, just before 3 a.m. West Division officers responded after receiving a report of a motorcyclist that had crashed into a parked car at 165 Street and 78 Avenue.

The 38-year-old man was travelling westbound on 78 Avenue when he struck a car parked at the north curb of the road.

Paramedics treated the rider at the scene but he succumbed to his injuries in hospital a short time later. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet.

Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the collision. 

This is the sixth motorcycle fatality of 2015.

The incident was reported to EPS at 9:11 pm on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015.

The male driver of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

There were no other occupants in the vehicle.

Excessive speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the collision.

Eastbound lanes of Yellowhead Trail, between Anthony Henday Drive and 184 Street, are shut down while members conduct their investigation.