The autopsy was conducted the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30, 2013.  The cause of death is pending further toxicological testing, however, detectives involved in the investigation believe the death to be non-criminal.

The man’s identity has been confirmed and his next of kin notified, but his name will not be released.

Background:
The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the death of an adult male in Hermitage Park in northeast Edmonton.  At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2013, police responded to a report of a deceased adult male who had been found in Hermitage Park.  Police discovered a deceased male with no obvious signs of injury.  It was unclear how the man died so the death was treated as suspicious.  The EPS Homicide Section is assisting with the investigation.

 “We want people to enjoy the holiday and the warm weather, but to do so in safety,” says Const. David Green of EPS Traffic Services.  “It isn’t a lot to ask. If you are driving, obey all traffic laws particularly what we call the ‘big four’. By this we mean aggressive, impaired and distracted driving as well as not using seat belts. If you think you might be drinking, don’t drive. Plan ahead, arrange for a cab, take transit, or get a friend or family member to pick you up. If you see someone you suspect is driving while impaired, Curb the Danger and call 9-1-1.”

Citizens are reminded that this weekend  members of Traffic Section along with other police members throughout the city will be watching out for speeding motorists, distracted drivers, impaired drivers and anyone else who violates traffic laws. 

So far in 2013 there have been 16 fatal collisions and 16 traffic fatalities in Edmonton; this compares to 20 fatal collisions and 21 traffic fatalities for the same time in 2012.

On Friday, July 26, 2013, EDGE Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of 105 Avenue and 117 Street and the following items were seized:  

• Loaded 9mm handgun
• Loaded magazine
• Silencer for the handgun
• Bullet proof vest
• Radio jamming devices
• Three homemade tracking devices
• $31,700 cash 

Three people were located and arrested in the residence. 

The following items were seized after investigators found them in hidden compartments in a vehicle that is associated to the accused: 

• 0.25 kgs of cocaine with an estimated street value of $25,000
• 32 caliber handgun
• Silencer for the handgun
• Ammunition
• 2008 SUV worth $28,000 

Tevya Wesley Thickson, 22, was charged with carless use / storage firearm, weapon, ammunition, unauthorized possession prohibited/restricted weapon ( x 2), knowingly possess prohibited/restricted weapon ( x 2), possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition readily accessible, possession of weapon obtained by crime (x 2), possess for the purpose of trafficking, possess controlled substance, possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, and breach of recognizance (x 4).

Awet Mehari Ghebre, 23, was charged with possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, carless use / storage firearm, weapon, ammunition, unauthorized possession prohibited/restricted weapon, knowingly possess prohibited/restricted weapon and possession of weapon obtained by crime. 

Francheska Quach, 26, was charged with carless use / storage firearm, weapon, ammunition, unauthorized possession prohibited/restricted weapon, knowingly possess prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition readily accessible, possession of weapon obtained by crime, possess for the purpose of trafficking, and possess controlled substance.  

In an unrelated investigation, EDGE Unit concluded a two-month investigation into a high-level cocaine trafficking enterprise operation with the execution of search warrants at an apartment complex in the area of 146 Avenue and 50 Street on Friday, July 26, 2013. This resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Edmonton by the Edmonton Police Service.  

Police recovered an operational cocaine conversion laboratory and seized the following:  

• 28 kg of cocaine with a street value of $2.5 million
• 10.5 kg of a chemical agent used in the cocaine base conversion process valued at $52,000
• over $265,000 cash  

A subsequent search of the vehicle connected to one of the accused resulted in the following seizure:  

• $12,000 cash
• 0.2 grams of heroin in a hidden compartment 

On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, Downtown Division officers were first alerted to the suspect at 9 a.m., when a resident reported he had just confronted an intruder in the area of 121 Avenue and 91 Street. The suspect allegedly proceeded to assault the man and commit robbery before fleeing with items of his property.

Police arrived on-scene moments later, when another resident called EPS to report a residential break and enter that had just occurred a few blocks away near 118 Avenue and 92 Street. Several additional reports of a man breaking into homes in the area followed.

With an active intruder in the area, additional officers and Canine Unit were called to take part in an immediate grid search to locate and contain the suspect.

“Residents were incredibly helpful during the search,” says Const. Faulkner, Downtown Division. “As Police Service Dog Quanto and his handler, Const. Williamson, tracked his scent along a high foot-traffic area, witnesses would come out of their yards, describe the same suspect and the direction he was heading, and we would be right back in pursuit. This continued for two hours."

The tracking by Quanto and his handler – through yards and over fences - and the containment of the suspect, resulted in the arrest of the accused, despite several attempts to flee.

The criminal charges are related to entering six homes and one commercial building.

Ryan King, 25, is charged with housebreaking and commit robbery, housebreaking and commit theft (X3), housebreaking with intent (X2), assault with weapon dangerous to the public, possession of offensive weapon dangerous to the public, possession of break and enter tools, possession of stolen property, and break and enter to place other than dwelling house.

At 2:45 a.m. on July 20, 2013, police were called to the area of 95 Street and 110 Avenue after a report of an assault. A male complainant confronted three suspects in the back alley close to his residence, and was allegedly severely beaten.

Edmonton’s Medical Examiner completed an autopsy today on Robert Felker, 46, and his cause of death has been determined to be blunt force head trauma.

EPS investigators working on the case have consulted with the Crown, requesting that charges be upgraded to murder against all three accused.

Adrian Sabastian Janvier,20, and Brian Joseph Boysis, 31, are each arrestable for second degree murder. Both men are considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach.

Janvier is described as 6’0”, 200 lbs, Aboriginal with brown hair, brown eyes, with the word “Angel” tattooed on the back of his neck. It is believed Janvier should have visible facial injuries and cuts to his head.

Boysis is described as 6’2”, 220 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen sporting a Mohawk type hairstyle.

Adrian Sabastian Janvier, 20                     Brian Joseph Boysis, 31

Anyone who has information about their whereabouts 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.

Background:

The Medical Examiner has concluded that Gregory Richard Pratt, 31, died of a stab wound to the chest on the morning of Monday, July 29, 2013. His death has been declared a homicide.

Northeast Division officers responded to a disturbance call where a severely injured male was located at a home in the area of 115 Avenue and 34 Street around 2:10 a.m. EMS provided life-saving measures to Pratt, however he died on-scene.

EPS Homicide Section detectives are leading the investigation.

Police believe Larsen poses a significant risk of harm to the community, especially minor females, and are concerned that he could commit similar offences in the future. The Edmonton Police Service has received information and believes that Larsen is a high risk to reoffend. 

Some of Larsen’s release conditions include;

• Not being in the company of females under 18 unless with a responsible adult who is aware of his conditions.
• Not to consume any alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
• Can have no direct or indirect contact with his brother and co-accused in this offence, Cyle Larsen.

If a member of the public observes Larsen breaching any of these conditions, they are encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Services 9-1-1. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

The Edmonton Police Service also has reason to believe that there may be other minor female victims in and around the City of Edmonton.  

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 clearly in the public interest to inform  members of the community. 

Lyle LARSEN

5’5”, 121 lbs.

Blond hair, green eyes

Members of the public are advised that the intent of this process 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.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, the EPS EDGE Unit, with the assistance of the EPS Tactical Section, executed a CDSA search warrant at a downtown residence in the area of 93 Street and 103 Avenue.

As a result of the search warrant, police seized several firearms and approximately $39,000 in drugs and cash:

• Three handguns (.45, 9 mm, 6 mm calibres)
• Two rifles (.25-06, .22 calibres)
• One sawed-off shotgun (12 gauge calibre)
• A quantity of ammunition for the firearms
• Ten litres of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
• 185 grams of Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
• 41 grams of Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
• 21 grams of Cannabis Marihuana
• Approximately $9,900 in cash

The search warrant was served without incident and the female suspect was arrested, however, the male suspect was not located.  The two are facing a total of 66 charges for numerous drug and firearms offences.

Lana Michelle Davies, 30, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4), and 29 various firearms charges.

William Stewart Culver, 30, is wanted on warrants for possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4), and 29 various firearms charges.  Culver is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 6’2” tall, weighing 170 lbs., brown eyes, with a shaved head.  Culver is believed to be armed and dangerous, and not to be approached.

William Stewart Culver, 30

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Culver is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

EPS Northeast Division Patrol officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible break and enter in progress at a townhouse in the Abbottsfield neighbourhood at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.  Witnesses heard the sound of breaking glass, saw a male climbing through a ground floor window at the residence, then heard a woman screaming.

A 22-year-old female who was alone in the residence was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted by an unknown adult male who appeared intoxicated.  EPS Patrol Units and the Canine Unit searched the area for the suspect with negative results.  EMS treated and transported the woman to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his late 20s or early 30s, average build, approximately 5’8” tall, with a clean-shaven face.  The suspect was wearing a white or light coloured t-shirt, blue jeans, black baseball cap, and large black-rimmed sunglasses.  It is believed the male may have had blood on his hands and clothing.  The male is believed to be prone to violent behaviour, and not to be approached.

“There is a strong possibility that the male is familiar with the area,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Goodkey with the EPS Sexual Assault Section.  “If anyone believes they were in contact with this male, saw anything suspicious in the area, or came across a male who was intoxicated and bloody, we ask them to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information that can help to identify and locate this suspect is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, police received reports of three men allegedly parachuting, or BASE jumping, from a building in the area of Jasper Avenue and 119 Street.  It was reported that three adult males allegedly entered a fenced construction site, and jumped from one of the top floors of the building, landing a short distance away on the Victoria Promenade (100 Avenue) and fleeing in a waiting vehicle.  Police responded but the individuals were not apprehended.

Police are continuing to investigate but warn potential copycat jumpers of the inherent risks and consequences of the activity.

“Regardless of how well-prepared jumpers believe they are, this is a very dangerous and illegal activity not at all suited for an urban environment,” says EPS Inspector Brian Nowlan.  “The safety of the jumpers and persons on the street has to be considered as everything is over in a matter of seconds.  There is the real potential for things to go wrong – with equipment or wind conditions or even traffic on the street – and there is the real possibility of injury and death as well as property damage.  Thankfully, there have only been a few of these incidents here over the years.  Depending on the circumstances, jumpers can face charges such as trespassing, break and enter, or mischief.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Jimmy Steve Rivas-Magana, 26, has been charged with 2^nd degree murder. An arrest warrant for the accused was issued by the EPS on July 25, 2013. Rivas-Magana was interviewed and charged by detectives on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013.

The suspect and his lawyer attended EPS Downtown Division at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, and the man was arrested and charged.

William Stewart Culver, 30, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x4), and 29 various firearms charges.

The Edmonton Police Service would like the public and media for their assistance with the file.

Background:
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, the EPS EDGE Unit, with the assistance of the EPS Tactical Section, executed a CDSA search warrant at a downtown residence in the area of 93 Street and 103 Avenue.  As a result of the search warrant, police seized several firearms and approximately $39,000 in drugs and cash.  The search warrant was served without incident and the female suspect was arrested.  However, the male suspect was not located and warrants were issued for his arrest.  The two are facing a total of 66 charges for numerous drug and firearms offences.

Auto theft crimes have been the focus of recent community concerns and police crime prevention efforts, specifically in north Edmonton.  Thefts from vehicles are up in north Edmonton by 28 per cent from last year at this time, compared to a 17 per cent increase city wide.  Similarly, thefts of vehicles are up in north Edmonton by 30 per cent from last year, compared to 22 per cent city wide.

“It’s the little things, the simple things, that vehicle owners can do to prevent thefts,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Jared Buhler with EPS Northeast Division.  “These are crimes of opportunity and in about 50 per cent of reported thefts from autos, the vehicle was left unlocked.  Just taking an extra moment to check that your vehicle is locked will help prevent a theft from occurring.  A little effort goes a long way.”

The strategy of the CAT deployment is to target auto theft crimes with enforcement and public education activities in the north Edmonton neighbourhoods of Killarney, Glengarry, Northmount, Evansdale, and the bordering areas that have seen concentrations of these crimes.

EPS officers will be focused on reducing crimes through high-visibility policing, proactive foot patrols of hot spots, management of prolific offenders, and traffic enforcement.  Community volunteers and officers will educate the public about the issues by going door-to-door in the deployment neighbourhoods, and distributing crime prevention materials, as well as free anti-theft licence plate screws.

The CAT deployment takes place Aug. 7 to 10, 2013.  Following the deployment, the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) will continue to work with the community in the Killarney area to prevent crimes such as auto-related thefts, break and enters, and social disorder.

The public is invited to meet with officers and receive crime prevention materials between 6 and 9 p.m. at the EPS Mobile Action Centre trailer located at each of the deployment locations.  There will be free coffee (compliments of the Tim Hortons Community Cruiser), as well as hot dogs and other refreshments.  A limited number of anti-theft steering wheel locks will be provided free of charge to owners of frequently stolen vehicles.

• Aug. 7, 2013 – Northgate Centre Mall, 9499 – 137 Avenue, Northeast Parking Lot
• Aug. 8, 2013 – O’Leary Fitness and Leisure Centre, 8804 – 132 Avenue, South Parking Lot
• Aug. 9, 2013 – Capital Centre Mall (Dickensfield), 9228 – 144 Avenue, West Parking Lot
• Aug. 10, 2013 – Delton Centre Mall, 12904 – 82 Street, Central Parking Lot

CAT is part of the ongoing EPS Violence Reduction Strategy, which focuses police, civic and community resources on at-risk areas for short periods of time – to target disorder, violence, and property crimes, and also assist vulnerable persons access the services that they require.  Resources are deployed based on the information developed for intelligence-led policing including the EPS crime mapping system.  The high-visibility of the CAT deployment has a strong immediate effect on suppressing crime, and crime is often reduced in the area after police leave.

CAT deployments have been successful in addressing a wide range of criminal and social issues since the monthly initiative began in September 2011.  For more information about the EPS Violence Reduction Strategy, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/vrs. For information on NET, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/NET.

“We believe that someone in the community saw or knows this man,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Goodkey with the EPS Sexual Assault Section.  “This violent crime took place in a typical neighbourhood on a Saturday morning, and we believe that someone saw this man coming or going through the area.  We need witnesses to come forward and speak to police.  We want to be able to solve this crime, and help to bring closure to a woman who has been senselessly assaulted and traumatized.”

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, in his late 20s or early 30s, average build, approximately 5’8” tall, with a clean-shaven face.  The suspect was wearing a white or light coloured t-shirt, blue jeans, black baseball cap, and large black-rimmed sunglasses.  It is believed the male may have had blood on his hands and clothing.  The male is believed to be prone to violent behaviour, and not to be approached.

The EPS Sexual Assault Section continues to investigate.  Anyone with information that can help to identify and locate this suspect is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Background:
EPS Northeast Division Patrol officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible break and enter in progress at a townhouse in the Abbottsfield neighbourhood at approximately 9:25 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.  Witnesses heard the sound of breaking glass, saw a male climbing through a ground floor window at the residence, then heard a woman screaming.  A 22-year-old female who was alone in the residence was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted by an unknown adult male who appeared intoxicated.  EPS Patrol Units and the Canine Unit searched the area for the suspect with negative results.  EMS treated and transported the woman to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Later in the evening, West Division officers came across a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer which was found to be stolen and arrested the driver. During the course of their investigation, police found documents and 16 sets of keys belonging to stolen vehicles and vehicles which were still on a dealership lot. One of the stolen vehicles, a 2014 Porsche 911, had already been recovered by police shortly after it had been stolen as a result of an anti-theft device which limits the speed of the Porsche to approximately 20 km/h until the vehicle is purchased. Police also recovered a 2012 Dodge Charger and a 2010 Mercedes GLK350 in the area of 84 Avenue and 152 Street.  

Several hours later, at approximately 4 a.m. police were led to the scene of an additional stolen vehicle in the Mulhurst Bay, Pigeon Lake, Alberta area. At the location, police found the Camaro which had previously been involved in the attempted pull-over by police. It was discovered at that time that the Camaro was stolen. Two suspects were arrested at the scene. During the arrest, one suspect threw the keys to the locked Camaro into a bushy area. Police searched for the keys for more than an hour and were able to recover them. Subsequent to the arrest, police searched the vehicle and located additional stolen property including purses and wallets. The total value of the vehicles is estimated to be worth approximately $215,000.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be laid.

Brian Teka Boyd, 29, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance (x3), Breach of Recognizance (x2), Obstruction of a peace officer, intent to gain advantage.

Tyler Morgan Peters, 29, of Tofield has been charged with possession of a controlled substance (x2), possession of stolen property under $5000 (x2), possession of stolen property over $5000, fraudulent concealment, and possession of break in instruments.

Stacia Patricia Jeanne Gear, 33, of Calmar has been charged with Breach of Recognizance (x2), possession of break in instruments, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property under $5000 (x3), possession of a stolen credit card (x3).

Miguel Namron Dixon, 35, of Mulhurst Bay, Alberta  has been charged with breach of Recognizance (x6), possession of stolen property under $5000 (x4), possession of stolen property over $5000, Obstruction of a peace officer, fraudulent concealment, possession of break in instruments, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a stolen credit card (x3).

“Our new station has been operational since the beginning of June,” said EPS Supt. Nigel Stevens. “We’ve had a chance to catch our collective breath, and we’re excited to introduce ourselves now to our new neighbours.
 
“Southwest Edmonton is expanding rapidly and will continue to grow for years to come. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide excellent police service to the communities of Southwest Division.”

Police displays and children’s entertainers will be on hand, while cake and refreshments will be served during Saturday’s community event.

Welcoming remarks and greetings from various dignitaries will commence at 11 a.m. The new station is located south of the Anthony Henday and west of Terwillegar Drive. Public parking can be found in the northwest parking lot and on Windermere Way.

Media are welcome to attend the Community Event. Please note, however, due to the sensitivity of police intelligence found throughout the station, public tours will not be provided.

 The project involved three phases: 

• An assessment of the building and tenants was undertaken in February, 2013. The most vulnerable "at risk" residents and the most active suites/individuals responsible for attracting and committing violent crime, were identified.

• A long-term sustainable plan was developed and implemented to support vulnerable tenants through the intervention, relocation and care of those at risk of victimization. The plan also dealt with those individuals responsible for attracting criminal activity, through enforcement or relocation far away from the building and vulnerable targets.

• The third phase involved working with building management, owners of the building and Safety Codes Edmonton to determine a long term solution that would mitigate risk and vulnerability to the residents of Capital Towers. As a result, suites are being renovated and security of the building has been substantially improved in the common areas, the entrance, and in the elevators. A new facade will soon adorn the building, representing internal and external improvements and sending the message that Capital Towers will not tolerate criminal activity.

The difference this project has made is remarkable and the proof is in the numbers - calls for police service have gone from 100 calls a month in March, to just two calls for police assistance throughout the entire month of July 2013.

"A wrap up survey has been conducted and the results show a huge increase in resident perception of safety and security," say EPS Community Liaison Sgt. Ray Akbar, Downtown Division. "Tenants now feel safe enough to get involved in the process of revitalizing Capital Towers. They are excited about the improvements and optimistic about the future."

Organizations that partnered with EPS on this important project include the City of Edmonton, Alberta Health Services and Capital Towers management.

At approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, a 54-year-old female was walking southbound on the east sidewalk of 66 Street just north of Yellowhead Trail.  The female pedestrian was in the process of crossing south in a crosswalk through the northbound exit lanes of Yellowhead Trail, when she was struck by a westbound Mazda Protege that was exiting right to go northbound on 66 Street.  The female suffered serious injuries. EMS treated and transported the female to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and died.  The 17-year-old male driver of the car did not report any injuries.

The EPS Major Collisions Investigation Section continues to investigate, however, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors. It is not known at this time whether there will be charges against the driver.

If you witnessed the collision or have any information that may assist investigators, please contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

This is Edmonton’s seventh pedestrian fatality for 2013.  There were nine pedestrian fatalities at this time in 2012.

Boysis was located at a pub in the area of 40 Street and Hermitage Road and subsequently interviewed by Homicide Section detectives. Homicide Detectives did not lay any charges, but Boysis was charged with obstruction and personation by Northeast Division patrol members. Boysis was remanded after his bail hearing.

Police continue to look for the second suspect, who is still at large.

Adrian Sabastian Janvier,20, is arrestable for second degree murder. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, and the public should not approach him.    

Janvier is described as 6’0”, 200 lbs, Aboriginal with brown hair, brown eyes, with the word “Angel” tattooed on the back of his neck. It is believed Janvier should have visible facial injuries and cuts to his head.

Anyone who has information about Janvier’s whereabouts 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.

Background:

The Medical Examiner has concluded that Gregory Richard Pratt, 31, died of a stab wound to the chest on the morning of Monday, July 29, 2013. His death has been declared a homicide.

Northeast Division officers responded to a disturbance call where a severely injured male was located at a home in the area of 115 Avenue and 34 Street around 2:10 a.m. EMS provided life-saving measures to Pratt, however he died on-scene.

EPS Homicide Section detectives are leading the investigation.

EPS STAT Team members in consultation with Alberta Justice Civil Forfeiture Office seized the vehicle of an alleged dangerous driver under the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act of Alberta. The action stems from an alleged “road rage” incident in Edmonton on April 21, 2013 where the driver of one vehicle allegedly attempted to force another vehicle off the road and subsequently threatened the other driver.

Supt. Kevin Galvin of EPS Operational Support Division says, “Civil forfeiture of a vehicle is an option to deal with a driver who poses a risk to public safety. This procedure has not previously been used in cases of this kind. However, in an effort to reduce violence and in this case the use of a vehicle in dangerous and violent behaviour on our roadways, the EPS is pursuing this avenue of investigation.”

Based upon continuing investigations and consultation with Alberta Justice, police were able to determine the accused posed a clear threat to public safety when he operated a motor vehicle and the likelihood of bodily harm made his vehicle subject to civil forfeiture action.