The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate after 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. on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.

A 54-year-old man was treated and transported to hospital with life threatening injuries. He succumbed to his injuries this morning, passing away in hospital. An autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon.

Investigation by the EPS Homicide Section and Arson Unit is ongoing.

During the 24-hour enforcement period on Nov. 18, 2015, 1,971 speeding tickets were issued. There were also 345 violations issued for seatbelt infractions, distracted driving, impaired driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

This is a slight decrease from the 2,534 violations issued in the August 2015 enforcement blitz.

With 13 pedestrian fatalities in 2015 – a number unmatched since 2007 – enforcement campaigns such as Operation 24 Hours serve as a reminder to drivers to make safe decisions behind the wheel.  

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

The death of Baljit Singh Bhamra, 49, has been determined to be a homicide. The cause of death is not being released at this time for investigative reasons.

Homicide Detectives have charged Donovan Howard Wentworth, 18, with 2^nd degree murder.

Detectives continue to investigate.

The victim is Alex Leonard Greg Contois, 31.

The deceased’s family has been notified and police do not have a suspect in custody at this time.

Background

Dec. 3, 2015 Media Release – The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section has taken over a suspicious death investigation.

Northeast Division patrol officers were dispatched to an alley near 118 Avenue and 64 Street at approximately 1:25 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. The initial report was a male was found injured and other witnesses reported hearing gun fire. 

EPS and EMS arrived on scene locating the injured male and identified a number of potential witnesses in the immediate area. The area was immediately cordoned off while officers conducted door-to-door inquiries to seek additional witnesses to the altercation.

The injured male was initially treated by EMS and transported to hospital. He was pronounced dead in the early stages of this investigation and EPS Homicide Section detectives were called to the scene.

At approximately 5:40 p.m., Northeast Division patrol members were dispatched to the area of 118 Avenue and 55 Street, after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.

While the investigation is still in its preliminary stages, MCIU investigators believe a 54-year-old male had just stepped off the curb at a marked crosswalk and was southbound across 118 Avenue, when he was allegedly struck by a Chevy Malibu being driven by 21-year-old male.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene by paramedics.

No charges have been laid at this time.

Anyone who has information about this incident 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.

Motorists attending the Edmonton Oilers game or simply driving through that part of the city are advised to avoid the 118 Avenue and 55 Street area to allow officers to safely investigate the crime scene.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, Southeast Division patrol members responded to a call from a concerned motorist, after observing an alleged impaired driver near 75 Street and 98 Avenue. Police located the suspect vehicle, a Chevy Silverado, near 75 Street and 118 Avenue, and officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The suspect then entered into a criminal flight, accelerating eastbound down 118 Avenue. Officers did not engage in a pursuit, instead calling in Air 1 to following the suspect vehicle, for reasons of public safety.

Air 1 continued to follow the suspect vehicle as he headed eastbound on the Yellowhead, crossing into Strathcona County and then back into City of Edmonton jurisdiction. Officers successfully deployed a spike belt in an industrial area in southeast Edmonton near 25 Street and 76 Street.

The suspect vehicle, which was then identified as being stolen, continued travelling west down Argyll, despite sustaining two flat, front tires. The suspect vehicle then collided with another vehicle near 53 Avenue and the Whitemud, before Tactical and Canine members were able to successfully box in the suspect vehicle near 178 Street and the Whitemud.

The suspect vigorously resisted arrest, and members were forced to deploy a Conductive Energy Weapon (Taser) to bring the intoxicated male into custody at approximately 4:25 p.m.

Joel Henley, 33, of Calgary, is facing multiple charges including but not limited to, criminal flight (x2), possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, criminal hit and run, possession of a dangerous weapon, criminal dangerous driving, resisting arrest, fraudulent concealment and two warrants for theft and mischief.

More than 20 members from multiple divisions and units were dispatched to deal with this incident, the second such extensive criminal flight response in the last 39 hours. More than 55 EPS members and Strathcona County RCMP members were dispatched early Thursday morning to deal with another extensive criminal flight that culminated with the arrest of a male and female suspect.

Investigators believe foul play was involved in Maggie’s disappearance, and hope by speaking publicly about Maggie’s disappearance today, will encourage someone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

“I’m doing this because my family needs answers,” said an emotional Marie Burke, Maggie’s mother. “We need to find out what happened to Maggie. Also, I want my granddaughter, Pipon, to grow up knowing that we have, and will continue to make every effort to find her mother.”

Maggie Burke (see photos below) was last seen in the area of 95 Street and 118 Avenue, near the location where Crime Stoppers erected a billboard this week seeking tips on the missing Edmonton woman. She was believed to be meeting a friend, at that time.

“Someone, somewhere, must have information about Maggie’s disappearance,” said Sgt. Neil Zurawell, of the EPS Missing Persons Unit. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare – the death or mysterious disappearance of your child. If you have any information at all that might help with our investigation, please contact police or Crime Stoppers. There’s a family here that needs our help.”

She is described as an Aboriginal female, 5’7”, 125 pounds, brown eyes, with brown hair and red streaks at the time. She had a marijuana leaf tattoo on her left arm.

Anyone who has information about this disappearance of Maggie Burke 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.

Gregory Alan Fenton, 54, died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire. He passed away in hospital on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015.

Homicide detectives and the EPS Arson Unit continue to investigate.

Anyone who has information about this incident 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:

A man, sent to hospital after fire broke out at an apartment complex on Nov. 29, 2015, has died.

The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate after 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. on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.

A 54-year-old man was treated and transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He passed away in hospital on Dec. 4, 2015.

On Monday, November 30, 2015, Shayne Fry, 28, was arrested in Ontario on an outstanding warrant for second degree murder. The arrest was carried out by the Niagara Regional Police Service after they located Fry in a residence in Niagara.

The male was brought back to Edmonton where EPS Homicide detectives formally processed the criminal charges on Saturday, December 5, 2015.

The homicide investigation has concluded, detectives are not looking for any additional suspects.

Background:

On Monday, April 6, 2015, Edmonton Homicide detectives became involved in the suspicious death of Trevor Keith Deleeuw, 25, following the discovery of his body on a roadway in St. Albert.

The St. Albert RCMP initial investigation revealed that a second crime scene was located in a parking lot in the area of 215 Street and 115 Avenue in Edmonton. The westend location was later established to be the initial scene whereby Deleeuw was shot around 9 p.m. Two days later, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s autopsy revealed the cause of death to be gunshot wounds.

On Sept. 1, 2015, David Klassen, 26, was the first to be charged with second degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, assault with a weapon, and disguise with intent in the death of Mr. Deleeuw.

On Oct. 28, 2015 Homicide detectives charged Joseph Charron, 26, with second degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, assault with a weapon, and disguise with intent in connection with the death.

With two of the males in custody, police issued a warrant for second degree murder on November 6, 2015, in an attempt to locate the third male allegedly involved in the homicide, Shayne Fry, 28.

Deleeuw’s death was the 6^th homicide of 2015.

Investigators are looking for the drivers of a black Kia Soul, a red Mazda Protégé, a white Toyota Camry Coop Taxi and a black four-door vehicle, that drove through that intersection directly after the 54-year-old male was struck and killed (see photo below).

The drivers or passengers of these vehicles are encouraged 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:
At approximately 5:40 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, Northeast Division patrol members were dispatched to the area of 118 Avenue and 55 Street, after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.

MCIU investigators believe a 54-year-old male had just stepped off the curb at a marked crosswalk and was walking northbound across 118 Avenue, when he was allegedly struck by a westbound Chevy Malibu being driven by 21-year-old male.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene by paramedics.

Downtown Division patrol officers responded to an address near 107 Avenue and 106 Street at approximately 9:30 p.m. this evening, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, after receiving a 911 call for assistance.

Upon arrival, officers found a female in medical distress in a basement suite. Paramedics treated and transported the woman to hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries a half-hour later.

Homicide detectives have since taken over the investigation and are currently interviewing several potential witnesses.

An autopsy has yet to be scheduled. No further details will be released this evening.

Anyone who has information about this suspicious death 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.

Downtown Division patrol officers responded to an address near 107 Avenue and 106 Street at approximately 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, where Morin was found in a basement suite in medical distress.

Paramedics treated and transported the woman to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she succumbed to her injuries a half-hour later.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate the death, which is Edmonton’s 27^th homicide of 2015.

Anyone who has information about this homicide 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 believe a female suspect tagged various statues in the area of 112 Street and Jasper Avenue with spray paint and marker approximately 20 times over the past year. Investigation by officers from the Downtown Division Neighbourhood Empowerment Team connected a woman to the vandalisms after it was reported a horse statue was tagged on Nov. 11, 2015.

Camille Martineau, 29, was arrested without incident on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015. She faces one charge of mischief over $5,000.  

“Graffiti continues to be a prominent crime in downtown Edmonton. Vandalism defaces the downtown core, gives the impression that a neighbourhood may be unsafe, and causes unnecessary expense for property owners,” says Const. Ryan May with Downtown Division.

 “If you discover graffiti vandalism on your property, take photographs and record details about the tag, report the incident to police and remove the graffiti as soon as possible,” adds Const. May.

More information about graffiti vandalism is available on the Edmonton Police Service and City of Edmonton websites:

http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/PersonalPropertyCrimes/Graffiti.aspx

http://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/graffiti_litter/graffiti-management.aspx

Southwest Division detectives arrested and charged a young offender in relation to a November robbery series in south Edmonton, which saw four women assaulted and robbed of their purses, cell phones and other personal property.

The youth, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was charged with three counts of robbery, two counts of break and enter and five breach of conditions.  Property from the robberies was recovered and will be returned to its owners.

In all four incidents, the complainants were either waiting for public transit or just departing public transit in southeast or southwest Edmonton.

Background:
The four incidents took place:

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 @ 6:45 p.m.– A 78-yr-old woman was approached in the area of 25 Avenue and 109 Street, where she was assaulted and had her purse stolen.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 @ 5:15 p.m. – A 65-yr-old woman was approached in the area of 57 Avenue and 111 Street, where she was assaulted and her purse stolen.

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 @ 5:25 p.m.– A 58-yr-old woman was approached in the area of 51 Avenue and 111 Street (Southgate Terminal), where she was assaulted and had her purse stolen.

Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 @ 8:40 p.m.– A 54-yr-old woman was approached in the area of the Lakewood Road transit terminal, where she was assaulted and had her purse stolen.

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 woman who had sustained gunshot wounds. She was treated at the scene and transported to hospital by EMS where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Further investigation has led detectives to believe a bright yellow Pontiac Sunfire or Chevrolet Cavalier was involved in this incident and police are seeking witnesses for information. 

Kathleen Emma Morton, 27, was Edmonton’s 12^th homicide of the year.

Homicide Section continues to investigate.

Police encourage anyone who may have seen this vehicle or noticed anything suspicious in the area around July 12, 2015 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.

In October 2015, it was reported to police that a boxing coach had made sexual advances toward an athlete at a boxing club in Edmonton. This incident allegedly occurred in September 2015.

The suspect was arrested without incident on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

Leo Guilford Marsh, 63, is charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 13, 2016.

Police continue to investigate and are encouraging other potential complainants who may have had a similar experience with this individual 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.

The Calder community will see an increased police presence in the area through Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 as the EPS Specialized Traffic Apprehension Teams (STAT) increase traffic enforcement along roadways, while additional officers patrol hot spot locations for suspicious activity. Officers will also be educating residents and visitors on crime prevention throughout their patrol duties.

“Members have actively been patrolling and educating the public on issues such as leaving their vehicles running, leaving their garages unlocked and ensuring their valuables are secured and out of sight,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Curtis Hoople.

“It is surprising how many members of the public don’t realize they are a target for property theft (for example), so we are making a point of educating those individuals on the precautions they can take to avoid making themselves a target,” says Hoople.

Officers will also be on the lookout for prolific offenders, executing criminal warrants and checking that individuals are complying with their court-imposed release or curfew conditions. Over the last two days, members have executed 58 criminal warrants, conducted 80 vehicle stops and seized 11 vehicles. In addition, members have laid approximately 45 new criminal charges, which include stolen property offences, breaches, theft of vehicles and drug possession charges.

“Working collaboratively with the community and our partners will ultimately help us achieve the collective goal of keeping the community safe,” says Hoople. “We invite the public to come and meet with our officers face-to-face to address any concerns or questions they may have pertaining to crime in the area.”

Members of the public are invited to come out to the CAT deployment this evening to speak with Northwest Division officers and EPS specialized units, learn about crime prevention, play street hockey with members and enjoy some free pizza:

Calder Community CAT Deployment & Public Info Session

Friday, Dec. 18, 2015

6-9 p.m.

Northwest Edmonton Seniors Center

12963 120 Street

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://www.edmontonpolice.ca/vrs.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. today (Friday, Dec. 18 2015), an emergency alarm was sounded from the Macs store at 32 Avenue and 82 Street. When officers arrived, they found the injured clerk and began CPR while EMS was enroute. 

Paramedics treated Karanpal Singh Bhangu, 35, and rushed him to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. 

Approximately 15 minutes after the alarm, a 911 call was received from a Macs store at 108 Street and 61 Avenue. A citizen called 911 after finding the store clerk injured and bleeding on the floor. The 41-year-old man, whose name will not be released until family are notified, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Information about the suspects in the robberies was immediately fanned out to all patrol officers on the street to be on the lookout. Officers were also directed to check on other Macs stores if possible.

Southwest Division patrol officers, who were in the Callingwood area, spotted a suspicious vehicle and noticed occupants matched the suspect descriptions. The officers approached the vehicle, which then initiated a criminal flight. The suspect vehicle collided into a barrier on the Whitemud freeway heading eastbound, under the Terwillegar overpass, and the suspects were arrested without incident. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination.

Charges are pending against the three suspects who are all known to police.

A 24-year-old male, a 26-year-old male and a 13-year-old male remain in police custody.

Levi Aquptanguak was last seen around 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015 after leaving his residence in the area of 101 Street and 130 Avenue. Levi functions at a mental capacity of a 13 year old and there are concerns for his well-being, as he suffers from a health condition, and also has no access to money or transportation.

He is described as 5’9”, approximately 160 lbs. with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown winter coat, blue pants and black shoes.

Levi sometimes goes to the Tim Horton’s or convenience stores near his residence.

Anyone who has information about his 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.