At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, Northeast Division Patrol officers responded to a trouble not known call at a house in the area of 141 Avenue and 79 Street.  Police were asked to check on the welfare of two adult residents of the basement suite, as they had not been seen for a few days and there was a dog barking inside.  Patrol officers entered the suite and found a deceased male and female in their 50s.  There were no obvious signs of injury.

It is unclear at this time how the two adults died so the deaths are being treated as suspicious.  The EPS Homicide Section is assisting with the investigation and the autopsies have been scheduled for this morning.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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.

The autopsies were conducted the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013.  The autopsies showed no signs of injuries.  The causes of the deaths are pending further toxicological testing, however, detectives involved in the investigation believe the deaths to be non-criminal.

The man’s and woman’s identities have been confirmed and next of kin notified, but their names will not be released.

Background:
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, 2013, Northeast Division Patrol officers responded to a trouble not known call at a house in the area of 141 Avenue and 79 Street.  Police were asked to check on the welfare of the two adult residents of the basement suite, as they had not been seen for a few days and there was a dog barking inside.  Patrol officers entered the suite and found a deceased male and female in their 50s.  There were no obvious signs of injury and it was unclear how the two adults died.  The deaths were treated as suspicious and autopsies scheduled.  The EPS Homicide Section is assisting with the investigation.

In each event, the suspect entered homes, which were occupied by at least one adult at the time, in the early morning hours. Each home was entered through a screen or patio window. Police continue to investigate these crimes to determine if they are linked. The homes targeted are within blocks of each other. Police do not believe that the suspect and victims are known to each other. 

The suspect is described a darker-skinned male who is between 5’8” and 6’ feet tall with an average to muscular build. The suspect is believed to between 20-30 years-old with dark, possibly spikey-style hair. The suspect was wearing a dark-coloured clothing.

It is important to report crimes immediately as it increases the chances of police apprehending the suspect.

Anyone who may have information about these crimes or the suspect is encouraged to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #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.

“Nearly 100 per cent of these thefts are preventable. People are buying beautiful, high-end bikes that cost $1,000 or more, and they’re locking them up with $10 locks that can be cut-off within seconds,” explains Const. Shawn Wruth with Downtown Division.

Preventing bike thefts is easy and inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing the bike. The EPS recommends cyclists use a U-shaped lock. The lock is difficult to cut and if locked around the frame and the rear tire, will prevent the theft of the frame and parts of the bike. By replacing the front wheel release latch with a permanent lock, all of the major parts of the bike are secured. Cst. Wruth adds that “if you have a very high-end bicycle, if you can, you should be taking it with you inside your office or home.”

The need to prevent bicycle thefts before they are stolen is especially important as the recovery of stolen bicycles is low.

“Bike parts don’t have serial numbers on them. These parts or even the whole bike often end up on online classified sites. Even when a bike is recovered, the original owners have often lost the receipt, don’t have photos of the bike and don’t have the serial number, making it very difficult to positively identify the owner of the bike,” explains Const. Wruth.

If a bike is stolen police recommend that the owner file a police report as soon as possible and that the owner provide police with a photo of the bike and the serial number. A police report can be filed by contacting the EPS non-emergency complaints line at 780-423-4567 or online at www.edmontonpolice.ca.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013 at 7:50 p.m. a member of the Specialized Traffic Apprehension Team 3 observed a motorist allegedly texting while driving. The member followed the vehicle, which he saw driving erratically, and eventually stopped it on Bellamy Hill near 103 Street. 

As the officer approached the vehicle and began speaking to the male driver he noted a strong odor of marijuana. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 1095 grams of cocaine with an approximate street value of $88,000, approximately 8 grams of marijuana, and approximately $1400 in cash. 

A youth has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession, two breaches, and one count of possessing a government document. The youth was also issued a $172 ticket for distracted driving.

Police received a call regarding an abandoned child in a vehicle from security personnel at a downtown high-rise building at approximately 3:40 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013. At the time, Downtown Division members were also responding to an incident involving a wheelchair-bound pedestrian and a bus near 104 Avenue and 101 Street.

A constable from the EPS Jasper Bike Beats Bicycle Squad 4 responded quickly to the scene and located a two-year-old child in obvious distress sitting in the back seat of a vehicle. After attempts to reach the vehicle’s owner by telephone failed, the constable breached the driver-side window and successfully rescued the child, who appeared lethargic and drenched in sweat, but otherwise unharmed.

A 33-year-old Edmonton man has been charged with abandoning a child.

“Police are reminding citizens that under no circumstances should young children be left in vehicles, whether to run into an office or business for even two minutes,” said Const. Steven Kilpatrick. “The consequences can be life-altering for families, especially during inclement weather conditions.”

It’s easy to prevent a tragedy from happening. Parents or guardians can do simple things like using drive-through services, planning outings that fit both the child and the adult’s schedule, and waking a napping child or postpone an errand rather than leaving a child alone.

If a member of the public sees a child in a vehicle that is in distress they are asked to call 911 immediately and are asked not to leave the child alone until help arrives. Fear or lack of time should not prevent any member of the public from reporting an unattended child; they may be saving a child’s life, as was the case in this situation.

http://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CommunityPolicing/FamilyProtection/ChildProtection/kidsincars.aspx

Police were called to the scene at approximately 6:20 a.m. by ETS security where they found the man in a bus shelter who had sustained serious injuries. EMS responded to the scene where they treated and transported the male to hospital. The victim is currently listed in critical condition.

Police continue to investigate the incident and are asking the public for any information they might have about the assault or events leading up to it. Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. on August 15, 2013, is encouraged to call police immediately at 780-423-4567 or #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 7:30 a.m. on July 22, 2013, police were called out to a break and enter in progress at a mobile device kiosk at Kingsway Mall on 109 Street and Kingsway Avenue.  It was reported that two male suspects were observed breaking into the kiosk’s cabinets and removing property.  The males were arrested and charged.  Shortly afterwards a female suspect was identified, and also arrested and charged for her involvement.  A search warrant was executed on a hotel room where the group was staying, and stolen property, break-in tools, and drugs were recovered.

At the time of the occurrence, police were investigating a series of similar retail kiosk break and enters involving the theft of mobile devices, and had issued warnings to merchants regarding the crimes.  Through subsequent police investigations, the suspects were linked to four other retail kiosk break and enters over the month of July involving approximately $15,000 worth of stolen mobile devices and accessories.  The EPS, CPS, and RCMP continue to investigate and additional charges are pending.

Jean Paul Boutin, 33, has been charged with break and enter to commit theft (x5), possession of break and enter instruments (x3), possession of stolen property (x2), possession of a controlled substance (x2), and breaching court orders (x7).

Tanner Jay Anderson, 21, has been charged with break and enter to commit theft, possession of break and enter instruments (x2),possession of stolen property (x2), and possession of a controlled substance.

Kayla Elizabeth Wright, 29, has been charged with break and enter to commit theft, possession of break and enter instruments, and possession of stolen property (x5).

“We want to warn people who may be shopping for mobile devices through online classifieds that they could be buying stolen property,” says Const. Roxanne Heppner with EPS Northeast Division.  “Usually the devices sell at a substantial discount.  If you’re going to buy something from an online classified ad, ask the seller for the original purchase receipt or some other proof of purchase.  If you are in possession of stolen property, you could have the phone seized by police.  If you are knowingly in possession of stolen property, you will be charged.”

Anyone with information on mobile device retail kiosk break-ins or stolen mobile devices 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 Downtown Division officers investigated the incident after receiving a report of a suspected break and enter in progress from a security company monitoring a high-rise construction site the night of Aug. 4, 2013.  Police also received reports from witnesses of three adults parachuting from the building that evening.  Through investigation of witness statements, photographs, surveillance camera footage, and a Crime Stoppers tip, officers were able to identify the individuals, and subsequently charge them on Aug. 14, 2013.

The individuals involved were very cooperative with police and remorseful for their actions.  There were no damages to property, and fortunately no one was injured or died as a result.  The investigation is now concluded, and the incident is not believed to be connected to the BASE jumping from the Epcor building in 2011.

Police would like to remind sport enthusiasts that regardless of skydiving skills, BASE jumping in the city is dangerous and illegal, and jumpers will be charged accordingly.  Organizers of skydiving activities within the city are required to have the legal permission of affected property owners, ensure they have the appropriate liability insurance, and make the necessary arrangements with civic and emergency services.

A 34-year-old male, a 27-year-old male, and a 26-year-old female, have each been charged with trespassing, which carries a fine of $287.

Backgound:
At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, police received a call from a security monitoring company of a suspected break and enter in progress.  It was reported that three unknown adults wearing dark clothing and backpacks allegedly scaled the fence of a building under construction in the area of Jasper Avenue and 119 Street.  At approximately 9:40 p.m., witnesses reported three adults allegedly parachuting, or BASE jumping, from one of the top floors of the building.  The three adults landed a short distance away on the Victoria Promenade (100 Avenue) before fleeing in a dark SUV.  EPS Downtown Division officers were called to investigate.

The man sustained undetermined injuries. EMS responded to the scene where they treated and transported him to hospital.

The Edmonton Police Service Major Collision Investigative Unit is leading the investigation.

The intersection at 153 Avenue and Castledowns Road has been closed to traffic as officers investigate.

Anyone who may have witnessed 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.

During the course of the investigations, which ran from Monday, August 12, 2013 to Friday, August 15,2013, investigators arrested 30 men ranging in age from 18-60 and charged them with communicating for the purpose of prostitution. Police were able to seize 26 vehicles as part of the project.

During the “snug” operation, police arrested 25 females and one transgendered individual for communicating for the purpose of prostitution. Female sex-trade workers who are arrested are offered the opportunity to seek counseling, treatments for drug addictions and other services through the Snug Program in exchange for their charges being dropped. Men are offered the opportunity to attend John school.

Of the 25 women who were arrested, 18 accepted the help that was offered through Program Snug and two went into detox treatment. One female who was not arrested also requested the assistance of Program Snug.

During the course of the operation, which targeted areas where prostitution is a concern, police were also able to lay additional unrelated charges of drug trafficking, living off of the proceeds of crime, and breach of conditions. One of the arrested individuals was also found to have nine outstanding warrants. A passenger in the vehicle also had four outstanding warrants.

*  One individual was not arrested, but chose to enter the program.

Such was the case on Friday, July 26, 2013 at approximately 6:30 p.m. Several citizens called police to report the driver of a truck driving erratically. A driver of a Chevy Avalanche was allegedly responsible for four hit-and-run collisions involving 11 vehicles. The first collision occurred at 118 Avenue and 78 Street, the next at 118 Avenue and Wayne Gretzky, the third at 116 Avenue and Wayne Gretzky and the last one at 106 Avenue and Wayne Gretzky. 

The vehicle and the driver were finally stopped at Capilano Mall just before 7 p.m. An off-duty RCMP officer held the alleged impaired driver until Edmonton Police arrived on scene.  The vehicle the alleged impaired driver was in sustained major front-end damage and the front tires were completely shredded. The driver in his 50’s was charged with criminal hit-and-run, dangerous driving, and impaired driving. 

“Thankfully, in spite of all the separate collisions there were no injuries,” says Acting Sgt. David Green of the Impaired Driving Countermeasures Unit, “But I can tell you from experience this isn’t always how it plays out. If you know you will be consuming alcohol, plan ahead. You can take a cab, get a ride from a friend or family member, or take public transit. Do whatever is necessary to get home safely.”

From July 1 to July 31, 2013 the EPS has received 796 calls from citizens reporting suspected impaired drivers. Of that total there were 49 impaired subjects charged, and 17 license suspensions.   

Since inception there have been 58,619 calls into Curb the Danger, 9,332 letters were issued, 5,646 impaired subjects charged, 19,604 intercepts, and 1,781 licence suspensions.  

The EPS provides updated Curb the Danger numbers each month.

Signs that could indicate an impaired driver:

• unreasonably fast or slow speeds or inconsistent speeds;
• frequent lane changes or swerving when passing;
• ignoring traffic signals and signs;
• approaching traffic signals and signs unreasonably fast or slow;
• sitting at stop signs for long periods of time;
• jerky starts and stops;
• driving too close to the curbs and shoulders; hugging the edge of the road or straddling the center line;
• driving at night without lights; or,
• driving with the windows down in cold weather.

 If you see a suspected impaired driver:

• Call 9-1-1 and report the incident immediately. Under Bill 16 of the Distracted Driving legislation, drivers are permitted to use hand-held devices to contact 9-1-1 emergency services.  
• Take note of the location;
• Report the license plate number as well as the vehicle description; and
• If possible, keep the vehicle in sight, but do not attempt to chase the vehicle or break the law in order to stay close. 

If a patrol car is not able to intercept the vehicle, the EPS may send a letter to the registered owner telling them that their vehicle was spotted being operated erratically. 

Ahkimnachie is considered by police to be a violent offender who poses a risk of significant harm to the community and to re-offend violently. Ahkimnachie will be residing in the Edmonton area and will be closely monitored by the Behavioral Assessment Unit of the Edmonton Police Service.

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 the members of the community. 

AHKIMNACHIE, Leo Percy

Age: 39

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 180 lbs

Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown

 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.

A Genie boom lift was stolen the week of Aug. 12, 2013 from a construction site located at 7410 120 Avenue. The equipment was being rented from a heavy equipment rental company.

“We believe that this piece of equipment may be listed for sale online, on a classified ad site or perhaps an industry website. It’s obviously not something that can be hidden away; this is something that is sitting in plain sight. It’s a large piece of equipment that would have needed a flatbed truck to transport. Someone must have seen something,” explains Const. Carolyn Bowen.

The equipment is described as a blue 45’ articulated Genie boom lift. The model number is Z45-25jib, the unit number is 33641 and the serial number is Z452507-32216. The equipment can use either gas or propane fuel.

Anyone who may have information about this theft is encouraged to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #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.

Earlier this summer police launched a campaign called “tattoo your equipment” in which free invisible UV and highly-visible, removal resistant markers were given out to owners of heavy equipment. The campaign is ongoing. Owners of heavy equipment are encouraged to pick-up the anti-theft marking kits at any police division.

The annual Free the Fuzz fundraiser for Special Olympics will run from Aug. 23 – 25 at the South Edmonton Common Walmart.

Rain or shine, EPS Constable Tim Connell, Sheriff Dan Kowton, Military Police Corporal Matt Tremblay, University of Alberta Peace Officer Tracy Grioux and Corrections Officer Darren Sorenson will make the roof of Walmart their home for 54 hours in support of Special Olympics.

There’s a lot going on down below, too!

There will be specialized units, including Canine and Tactical, and specialized vehicles from the Edmonton Police Service and partner agencies.

Kids can go for a bounce in the jumpy castle and there will also be a BBQ for those that work up an appetite.

Special Olympic athletes, law enforcement officers, and volunteers will canvass for funds including pennies! Citizens are invited to bring their pennies and place them into the bomb disposal trailer to help Special Olympics win gold medals.

“All the money raised goes to Special Olympics, with 50 per cent of it directly funding athletes in Edmonton,” says EPS Const. Amanda Trenchard, Director of the Torch Run. “It’s a fun, family event for a great cause.”

Dates & Times

• Friday, Aug. 23: 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, Aug. 24: 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, Aug. 25: 10am – 4pm

Location

• South Edmonton Common Walmart, 1203 Parsons Rd.  

About the LETR

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a group of law enforcement agencies working together to raise money and create awareness for Special Olympics. The money raised gives Special Olympians opportunities to train and compete in a variety of sports.

Special Olympics Alberta offers programs in 114 communities province-wide through 32 affiliates. Over 1200 volunteers work with more than 3000 athletes every year.

Free the Fuzz is one of many fundraising events udner the umbrella of LETR. The torch run is part of an international movement, with more than 85,000 law enforcement officers around the world having carried the “Flame of Hope” across 35 nations.

Nearly $40,000 was raised at last year’s Free the Fuzz event.

This year many law enforcement agencies have partnered to make the event a success: Edmonton Police Service, Sheriffs, Military Police, Alberta Correctional Services, Alberta Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Branch, University of Alberta Protective Services, and Edmonton Regional Search and Rescue.

A special thanks to Walmart and many other sponsors for making the weekend a success.

“This was a detailed and involved police investigation. The crime was very violent and traumatising and we hope that by having the suspect off the streets it will bring some peace of mind to the community involved in this case,” says Staff Sgt. Shawna Goodkey, of the Sexual Assault Unit.

As with all cased of serious sexual assaults, investigators utilized multiple specialized law enforcements units. EPS investigators have been working continuously to ensure that this suspect was apprehended since the case was first reported to EPS.

Jason Ben Moes, 33, of Edmonton has been charged with break and enter and commit assault, assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, unlawful confinement, disguise with intent.

Anyone with information about this crime or about the accused 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. 

The suspect in this case was riding a bicycle, when he grabbed a female victim who was walking in the area from behind.

“There have been seven similar incidents with a suspect being described in a similar way by all of the victims,” says CIS Det. Lisa Mah. “We are very interested in locating and apprehending this suspect and we are asking the public for help to identify him.”

Previous incidents have been reported in the Dawson, Gold Bar, Muttart, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Churchill Crescent areas.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male with an average build, 5’10” – 6’0” tall, 30 – 40 years of age and has long gray hair which may be tied in a pony-tail. He may also be wearing a bicycle helmet or hat.

The EPS reminds all citizens that it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times and to report suspicious persons or activity to police immediately.

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

“Auto theft is one of the number-one crimes that police deal with across the city,” said EPS Const. Jerrid Maze. “We’re seeing a recent spike in Southwest Edmonton, because people are leaving keys in the vehicles.

“Often, it’s a spare key for that vehicle, a family’s second vehicle, or a garage door opener, that encourage thieves to break in, and off they drive with an expensive SUV or truck. We need the community’s assistance with this issue.”

From May 20, 2013, to present, police have received 61 complaints of stolen vehicles, where the owners have left their keys inside the vehicle – 15 alone in Southwest Division.

Anyone with information about vehicle thefts across the city 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

How to avoid becoming a target of auto theft:   

• Remove all valuables from your vehicle: IPOD chargers, money, electronics.
• Do not leave a spare key of any kind in or around your vehicle.
• Park in well-lit areas
• Always lock your vehicle
• If you park your vehicle in a parkade or outside, check your vehicle regularly - don't allow it to sit unattended for days.
• Cover the VIN on your dash board so a clone key can not be made
• Advise police as soon as applicable regarding a theft of vehicle, or theft from a vehicle

Paige Bazaine-Pryor was last seen leaving the group home where she resides in Northeast Edmonton, at approximately 6 p.m. last Wednesday. Bazaine-Pryor suffers from several mental health issues, and when not on her medication she suffers from significant cognitive deficits, which could pose a risk to both herself and the public.

Bazaine-Pryor (see photo below) was last seen wearing a black dress, a white coat and was carrying a black gym bag. She is described as a 4’, 9” tall Caucasian female with light brown hair.

Anyone with information about Bazaine-Pryor’s whereabouts 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

Paige Bazaine-Pryor contacted her group home residence earlier this afternoon, after hearing media reports about her disappearance.

Background:                                             
Paige Bazaine-Pryor was last seen leaving the group home where she resides in Northeast Edmonton, at approximately 6 p.m. last Wednesday. Bazaine-Pryor suffers from several mental health issues, and when not on her medication she suffers from significant cognitive deficits, which could pose a risk to both herself and the public.