On Jun. 2, Jun. 28 and Aug. 11, 2016 an unknown male allegedly attended multiple financial institutions across the city and used stolen identity information to impersonate clients and withdraw thousands of dollars in cash. At times, the suspect was accompanied by an unknown female.

Both suspects are pictured below.

The male suspect was frequently reported to be dressed as a construction worker and was often described as wearing an orange and yellow vest and a hard hat. However, he regularly changed his appearance by wearing different clothing.

The suspects are also allegedly involved in similar incidents in other provinces.

Officers continue to investigate.

Anyone with information about the suspects’ identities is 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.

On Mar. 30, 2017, a thoughtful citizen turned in property to EPS that was found in a downtown Edmonton pedway. Police believe it was lost by a senior who was shopping in the area of 100 Street and 102 A Avenue at the time. Officers obtained surveillance footage from the Starbucks in Edmonton City Centre shopping mall that the property owner attended. The photos were captured on Mar. 28, 2017 at approximately 10 a.m.

“We believe the customer in these photos is the owner of the property,” says Const. Shaunna Kossatz with Downtown Division. “We would love to get it back to him.”

Anyone who has information about the senior’s identity 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.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. today, police were called to the area of 155 Avenue and Castledowns Road, after a passerby located the body of a deceased male toddler near a church.

In attempts to identify the deceased, investigators are releasing photos of the toddler’s clothing and shoes which were located at the scene. Investigators are encouraging anyone who may recognize any of the items to contact police immediately.

Side view of shoe

Front of shoe

Batman T-shirt


Snowsuit

Snowsuit (2)

An autopsy is pending.

Homicide Section continues to investigate.

Homicide detectives are asking anyone who may recognize any of the items in the photos, or who has information about this suspicious death, to contact the EPS 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.

Homicide investigators are releasing three photos  of a man and woman of interest, in hopes of identifying both of them, as police believe they may have information critical to this investigation.

 
 *Photos have been removed as the individuals have been identified*

Police also believe the little boy was left in the area of 155 Avenue and Castledowns Road on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 between 10:51-11:51 a.m.. Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area, during this specific timeline, to contact police immediately.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. (April 24, 2017). The toddler has yet to be identified.

No additional information is available for release at this time.

The man and woman were arrested in northwest Edmonton earlier this evening without incident and are in police custody. Charges are pending against both individuals and investigators are working to determine the exact relationship between the suspects and the little boy.

“The EPS is extremely grateful for all of the assistance provided by the media who shared this story so widely and quickly,” says Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter of Homicide Section. “We rely heavily on tips from the public, so we would also like to reiterate how thankful we are for everyone who contacted police with information. At this time, no further tips are required from the public.”

“The EPS would also like to thank ETS for their assistance and collaboration in this investigation,” says Hunter.

There will be no additional information available for release this evening. An update will be available tomorrow (April 23, 2017), although exact timing has not yet been determined.

Background

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, police were called to the area of 155 Avenue and Castledowns Road, after a passerby located the body of a deceased male toddler near a church.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. (April 24, 2017).

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, police were called to the area of 155 Avenue and Castledowns Road, after a passerby located the body of a deceased male toddler near a church. Investigators later determined that the toddler’s remains had been left there three days prior to the discovery, on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

Yesterday evening (April 22, 2017) with the assistance of the media, public and ETS, police located and arrested a 26-year-old man and 25-year-old woman, who are believed to be responsible for the death of the toddler. Police are not looking for any additional suspects.

Investigators are currently speaking with the two individuals and interviews are expected to continue over the next several hours. As a result, no charges have been officially laid at this time.

More information will be forthcoming once charges have been laid and the autopsy is completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s office tomorrow morning (April 24, 2017).

No additional information is available.

Joey Crier, 26, is charged with second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, failure to provide the necessaries of life, assault and assault causing bodily harm.

Tasha-Lee Mack, 25, is charged with second degree murder, criminal negligence causing death, failure to provide the necessaries of life and assault.

Both accused were guardians of the toddler.

An autopsy was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. this morning.  

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

Background

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017, police were called to the area of 155 Avenue and Castledowns Road, after a passerby located the body of a deceased male toddler near a church. Investigators later determined that the toddler’s remains had been left there three days prior to the discovery, on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

On Monday, March 6, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Northeast patrol officers were called to the area of 162 Avenue and 51 Street after EMS located a deceased 30-year-old female in a suite. Timothy John Crowe, 34, was charged with second degree murder.

“This individual (in the photos) is not considered to be a suspect,” says Det. Terrie Affolder of Homicide Section. “We believe he has information that could be beneficial to this case and we’d like to speak with him.”

Anyone who knows this individual is 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:

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 34-year-old male in relation to the death of a woman found earlier this week.  

On Monday, March 6, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Northeast patrol officers were called to the area of 162 Avenue and 51 Street after EMS located a deceased 30-year-old female in a suite. The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy yesterday, March 7, 2017, and further testing is required, therefore the cause of death will not be released at this time. Investigators have confirmed the manner of death as homicide.

Timothy John Crowe, 34, is charged with second degree murder and appeared in court this morning.

The accused and deceased were known to one another.

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose, there is no risk to public safety and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

This is the city’s ninth homicide of 2017.

The 34-year-old male was taken off life support Friday, April 21, 2017, and died the following day on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The male complainant was rushed to hospital by paramedics April 15^th, following an assault by two males involving a machete and firearms.

Homicide Section has now taken over the investigation and will be meeting with the Crown Prosecutor’s Office in the near future to discuss the possibility of upgrading charges against the two accused.

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose, there is no risk to public safety and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

Background:
Two men are in custody and facing a total of 65 charges including attempted murder and firearm-related offences in connection with a violent assault Saturday afternoon in southwest Edmonton, which has left a 34-year-old male in hospital fighting for his life.

Southwest Division patrol officers responded to a suite near 173 Street and 69 Avenue, at approximately 2 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 2017, after receiving several calls from neighbours regarding a disturbance in a nearby suite.

Upon arrival, officers spotted two males covered in blood stepping out of the condo building elevator. The two males were taken into custody for questioning, and eventually arrested in connection with a vicious assault on a 34-year-old male complainant.

Officers quickly attended a suite in the building, where they found a 34-year-old male on the ground suffering from multiple stab and blunt force trauma wounds to his body. Paramedics treated and transported the male to hospital, where he remains in critical condition, after undergoing emergency surgery Saturday afternoon. Several other individuals were also found with the wrists zip-tied in the suite, some of whom suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators believe the assault was drug related. Trevor Auger, 36, and Jason Hope, 38, are both facing a wrath of charges including:

Attempted murder

Aggravated Assault

Assault with a Weapon (x 3)

Assault Bodily Harm (x 2)

Kidnapping

Unlawful Confinement (x 5)

Intimidation

Robbery (x 2)

Forcible Confinement (x 5)

Breach of Probation

Multiple weapons offences

On Tuesday, Apr. 25, 2017, Downtown Division officers conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 BMW just after 3 a.m. in the area of 111 Avenue and 96 Street.

Upon checking the identities of the three occupants of the vehicle, officers found two of them had outstanding warrants for their arrest. When the two males exited the vehicle, officers observed a prohibited weapon along with two large machetes. The third occupant was then also arrested.

Police subsequently searched the vehicle and found a .357 revolver, ammunition, numerous knives, a baseball bat and a bag of masks and gloves.

Sarah Barteski, 26, was charged with possession of prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of a weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.

Devin Carleton, 28, was charged with possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of a weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to order.

Sean Marten, 34, was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of a weapon, prohibited/restricted weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of a prohibited/restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, and careless use/storage of a firearm.

On Mar. 20, 2016, officers responded to a report of recovered stolen property in the area of 179 Street and 96 Avenue. When officers arrived, they discovered a variety of items, including mail, identity documents, cheques and firearms. Further investigation revealed the items were stolen from mailboxes and underground parkades in the area. More than 100 complainants were identified.

Among the items were a stamp collection and a large quantity of collector sports cards. Photos of these items are now posted on the EPS Pinterest page in hopes the original owners will come forward and claim them.

Aaron Bye, 24, was charged with possession of undelivered mail, possession of identity documents, possession of stolen credit cards and possession of stolen property.

Anyone who has information about stolen property 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 $40,000 reward funds were confirmed and announced at a recent Edmonton Police Commission meeting. The rewards are being made available to the general public for a three-year period.

“We’re hopeful these reward moneys will be the impetus to motivate someone to come forward with critical information that will significantly advance these investigations,” said EPS Homicide Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter.

“Most importantly, however, our priority as investigators is to deliver some answers to family members and loved ones who have struggled with the nightmare of not knowing what happened to their loved ones for far too long.”

There are currently 36 rewards of $40,000 being offered in connection with unsolved homicides, including these five new rewards. EPS Homicide Reward List.

The five new $40,000 rewards are being offered in connection with the following homicide investigations:

Dylan Koshman

Dylan Koshman, 21, disappeared on Oct. 11, 2008 from a residence near 104 Street and 33 Avenue.  The circumstances of his disappearance are suspicious. He has not been heard from or seen since that date. Homicide Section has since taken over the investigation.

David Labelle        

David Labelle, 30, was murdered on Nov. 2, 2014, in a residence near 133 Street and 155 Ave. There were several people present at the time the incident.

Robert Loyer

Robert Loyer, 46, was murdered May 5, 2016. He was found seriously injured in the area of 106 Avenue and 96 Street, and later died in hospital, as a result of injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.  At that time, several persons were seen fleeing the area where the assault occurred.

Gherezghiher (Gary) Yemane

Gary Yemane, 63, was murdered May 27, 2016, while out for an evening walk in northeast Edmonton. Investigators believe Yemane was randomly targeted and shot multiple times in the area of Ozerna Road. 

Leonardo Duran Ibanez

Leonardo Ibanez, 42, of Colombia, was murdered on Nov. 13, 2016. Ibanez was walking home late at night with a friend in the area of 119 Avenue and 97 Street, when he was confronted by a group of males and females.  He was physically assaulted and died in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Anyone who has information about these investigations is 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.

The EPS is looking to hire another 60 new officers for two recruit classes and for an experienced officer class in 2017.

“We are currently travelling across Alberta to find the best candidates to protect and serve our community,” says Const. Heather Spence with the EPS Recruiting Section. “This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has considered becoming a police officer, or those looking for a career change that offers stability, variety, and the opportunity to learn skills no other job can offer.”

Recruiters will be available to discuss the following topics:

• Why you should consider a career with EPS

• The opportunities within the EPS

• The requirements and selection process

• The training for new recruits prior to graduation

Recruiters will also discuss the benefits of becoming an EPS officer:

• Reduce crime, solve local issues and change people’s lives

• Over 100 different career options to choose from

• Paid recruit training of $65,931

• Make $81,676 after two years of service

The EPS career information session will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017, and the EPS written test session will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Both sessions will take place at the Lakeland Inn at 5411 – 55 Street in Cold Lake, Alberta.  Everyone is welcome.

Please visit EPS Cold Lake Recruiting Trip for additional details.  As space is limited, those interested in attending are encouraged to register at EPS Information Session Sign Up, or by calling 1-866-777-0815.     

For more information on a career with EPS, or to find out when information sessions are scheduled in other areas, please visit www.joineps.ca.

It was reported to police that on April 11, 2017 at approximately 3:40 p.m., an 18-year-old male complainant was robbed and assaulted by Diodone Songa, 18, and John Vyizigiro, 19, at Coliseum LRT Transit Station.

Minutes later, the two accused approached a second male complainant (19 years of age) near the 118^th Avenue overpass beside Coliseum LRT Transit Station. This second complainant was also allegedly robbed and assaulted by the two accused. During this altercation it is alleged that Songa stabbed the victim in the chest.

The 19-year-old male complainant was treated and transported to hospital where he remained in critical condition for three days before succumbing to his injuries on April 14, 2017.

Homicide detectives then took over the investigation.

Diodone Songa, 18, has been charged with second-degree murder, robbery, attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public.

John Vyizigiro, 19, has been charged with two counts of robbery, assault, assault with a weapon and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose, there is no risk to public safety and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

A weapons complaint was reported to 911 at approximately 3:15 p.m. today (April 30, 2017) in the area of 106 Street and 61 Avenue.

When EPS and EMS arrived at the scene, a deceased male was found at the residence.

A male suspect is in police custody. 

No further information is available for release at this time.

A weapons complaint was reported to 911 at approximately 3:15 pm on April 30, 2017 in the area of 106 Street and 61 Avenue.  When EPS and EMS arrived at the scene, a deceased male was found outside at the back of the residence with what appeared to be a stab wound.

Detectives arrested an injured male suspect at a hospital a couple hours later. Investigations revealed that an altercation led to the stabbing.

Jayson Lunag Bay-Ag, 32 was charged this afternoon with 2^nd degree murder.

The victim has been identified as Jake Myles Skrepnek-Rey, 22. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

Detectives believe that at least four other persons who were at the scene, either known to the accused or victim, may have information or may have witnessed the crime. Police are asking these individuals to come forward.

This is Edmonton’s 17^th homicide of 2017.

Homicide detectives are asking witnesses or anyone with information to contact the EPS 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.

Investigators upgraded attempted murder charges to second-degree murder against Trevor Auger, 36, and Jason Hope, 38, in connection with an April 15^th, 2017 assault on a 34-year-old male complainant, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital on April 22.

Trevor Auger, 36, and Jason Hope, 38, are both facing numerous charges including:
Second-degree murder

Aggravated Assault             

Assault with a Weapon (x 3)

Assault Bodily Harm (x 2)

Kidnapping

Unlawful Confinement (x 5)

Intimidation

Robbery (x 2)

Forcible Confinement (x 5)

Breach of Probation

Multiple weapons offences

Background:
The Medical Examiner’s Officer has confirmed that a 34-year-old male who died in hospital last weekend following an April 15, 2017 assault, died as a result of sharp and blunt-force injuries.

The 34-year-old male was taken off life support Friday, April 21, 2017, and died the following day on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The male complainant was rushed to hospital by paramedics April 15^th, following an assault by two males involving a machete and firearms.

Every file is evaluated on a case by case basis. The EPS has decided not to release the name of the deceased in this investigation for the following reasons: it does not serve an investigative purpose, there is no risk to public safety and the EPS has a duty to protect the privacy rights of the victims and their families.

In March 2017, detectives with the EPS Sexual Assault Section began investigating after several female realtors reported incidents of harassment to police. In each incident, complainants alleged that they received calls from a male who posed as a customer and made arrangements to view vacant properties. It was also reported that the male then harassed them on the phone or in person, often for sexual purposes, and on one occasion, the suspect was seen masturbating and offered the complainant money for sexual contact. 

On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Danmar Louise Cagulada, 31, was charged with criminal harassment, harassing phone calls, indecent acts and procuring.

These charges relate to incidents that occurred between May 2012 and March 2017. Police believe there may be additional complainants.

If you have any information about Cagulada (see photo below), these incidents and/or believe you have also been harassed by the accused, please 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.

Danmar Louise Cagulada, 31

On Thursday, May 4, 2017, Tuyen Trong Hung, 61, was charged with fail to stop at the scene of an accident and careless driving.

Speed and alcohol were not considered factors in this collision.

This is Edmonton’s fifth traffic fatality of 2017.

Background

On Wednesday, Mar. 29, 2017 at approximately 1 a.m., Northeast Division came across a collision in the area of Fort Road and 131 Avenue. Further investigation confirmed that a 53-year-old female pedestrian was fatally struck by a dark coloured SUV travelling southbound on Fort Road. The suspect vehicle did not remain on scene.

The trees are being planted by police officers and school children taking part in the City of Edmonton’s annual Arbor Day activities at Gold Bar Park. 

This is the first time EPS and the City have partnered for Arbor Day, which dates back to 1893 in Edmonton.  The trees planted on Arbor Day will provide numerous environmental benefits and be enjoyed by Edmontonians for years to come.

“Planting a tree together is a symbol of hope for the future,” says Chief Rod Knecht.  “We look back at the last 125 years with pride, and look forward to the next 125 years with promise, knowing that a strong and positive relationship with the community is at the heart of everything we do.  Much like these trees, we hope this relationship will continue to flourish for generations.”    

EPS is also planting an Autumn Blaze Maple Tree with a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion, as the tree is a symbol of promise for the future.

Over 600 grade one students from across the city are planting tree seedlings with members of the EPS School Resource Officer Unit.  For many it is their first time interacting with police officers, so the EPS Canine Unit is doing demonstrations and giving out EPS colouring books, crayons, stickers and play police badges to make the experience more memorable.

Chief Knecht adds, “I’m encouraged by these children, they’re aware of their community and the environment, and want to help out and do the right thing.  If these are our future leaders and police officers, we’re in good hands.”

The commemorative tree planting is one of the many public activities planned to celebrate the EPS’ 125^th anniversary in 2017, which include a civic celebration at City Hall on June 20 and a picnic at Borden Park on Aug. 20.

EPS was created 125 years ago when Mayor Matthew McCauley issued Bylaw #15 on June 20, 1892, which allowed the municipality to appoint town constables to keep the peace.  Since that time, EPS officers have been dedicated to protect, and proud to serve, the citizens of Edmonton. 

For more information and regular updates regarding the 125^th anniversary, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/125years.  If you have any historical information, photos or artifacts that you wish to share with the EPS, please contact the EPS 125th Anniversary Organizing Committee at EPS125@edmontonpolice.ca.