Downtown Division patrol officers responded to a collision call at approximately 11:15 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2017, near 121 Street and 103 Avenue.

It was reported to police that a Jeep being driven by a female was travelling westbound on 103 Avenue and approaching 121 Street, when she allegedly drove through a four-way stop and collided with a Honda Civic being driven by a male who was southbound on 121 Street.

The Jeep then struck two trees before coming to a stop approximately 30 metres from the intersection. The female driver sustained significant injuries and was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics where she was pronounced deceased.

The male driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons. Major Collision Investigations Unit has since taken over the investigation.

Although the investigation is still preliminary at this time, speed is believed to have been a factor.

This is Edmonton’s seventh traffic fatality of 2017.

Detectives began investigating the suspicious incidents in mid-March, after several female complainants came forward to police. In each case, young female complainants in their late teens or early 20s were approached at shopping complexes by either a man by himself or a man and a woman claiming to be recruiters for an estate management company.

It is alleged the accused would then show the complainants a job description for an Estate Manager, which included a good salary and various perks. The accused would then invite the complainants to a formal interview at another location, which only some of the women agreed to attend.

Investigators recently arrested and charged Christopher Bonanni, 39, of Edmonton and Jessica Bedard, 25, of Edmonton, with Interfering with a person’s lawful use or enjoyment of property, a sub-section of Mischief under the Criminal Code. Detectives are releasing photos of the accused with the hopes that other potential complainants will come forward with additional information about their interaction with either, or both individuals.
                           

Anyone who has information about these incidents or may have also been approached by either of the accused 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.

      Jessica Bedard, 25          Christopher Bonanni, 39

On Sunday, March 26, 2017 at approximately 9 a.m., it was reported that a grey Honda Accord was travelling southbound in the center lane of 66 Street at Fort Road. The Accord, driven by a 40-year-old male, then allegedly switched into the right lane (west shoulder) and rear-ended a black Chevrolet Impala.

As a result of the impact, the Chevrolet Impala veered off the road while the Accord veered into the northbound curb lane and struck a white Hyundai Sante Fe Sport head-on. The Hyundai was occupied by a 55-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl. 

The 58-year-old male driver of the Impala was pronounced deceased on scene as a result of the impact. The three other individuals were treated and transported to hospital by EMS, with non-life-threatening injuries.

Abdirisak Hersi, 40, the alleged driver of the Accord, is charged with dangerous driving, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

Speed was considered a major factor in this collision.

This was Edmonton’s fourth traffic fatality of 2017.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, police were dispatched to a report of a stolen 2015 Dodge Ram just after 1 a.m. in the area of 40 Street and 137 Avenue.

Upon further investigation, EPS Canine Unit later located the stolen vehicle in the area of 136 Avenue and 38 Street. The suspect, believed to have a weapon, fled inside a residence.

It was reported that the suspect entered the residence of an acquaintance and had a handgun in his possession.

Northeast Division patrol officers arrested the suspect and searched the residence for the alleged weapon. A handgun was recovered underneath a mattress in an empty crib.

Lorne Cardinal, 20, was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, careless use/storage of a firearm, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to public, possession of firearm knowing possession unauthorized, unauthorized possession of firearm/weapon in a vehicle, possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of prohibited weapon, and possession of firearm/weapon obtained by offence.

Cardinal had two outstanding firearms prohibitions from previous offences and was wanted on a Canada Wide Apprehension Suspension Warrant.

Southeast Division patrol members responded to an address near 72 Street and 83 Avenue on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, after receiving a report of a baby not breathing. Upon arrival, paramedics were transporting the baby to hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Medical Examiner’s Office contacted EPS Homicide Section on Thursday, April 6, 2017, after autopsy and toxicology tests confirmed that the baby girl died from a lethal dose of methamphetamine.

Michelle Rice, 31, has since been charged withsecond-degree murder.

Homicide detectives would also like to speak with several other individuals who are believed to have visited the residence in the 11 days prior to the baby’s death. 

Investigators are asking anyone that was at the house on or after March 18^th, 2017, 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.

Note: 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.  

The Edmonton Police Service has reasonable grounds to believe he will commit another violent offence against someone while in the community

White is residing in the Edmonton area.  The Edmonton Police Service is supervising White on a recognizance order and he will be closely monitored by the EPS Behavioural Assessment Unit. 

White has been placed on a series of court ordered conditions including:

• Must abide by a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

• Must abstain from the purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol and drugs, including marijuana and must not possess any drug paraphernalia.

• Must not be found in any tavern, bar, lounge, nightclub or any establishment where the primary focus is the consumption or sale of alcohol.

• Must not enter into any intimate relationship with females, including friendship, without prior approval of his supervisor.

• Must not have any contact with children under the age of 18 years.

• Must not leave the City of Edmonton without prior approval.

Anyone with any information about any potential breaches of these conditions by White can contact the EPS at 780-423-4567.

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. 

Grant White, 58

5’5” tall and weighs 200 lbs

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.

The information in this release is that which was verifiable prior to the release time indicated. Continued investigation and review could result in additional information or clarification.

Michael Webb, 46, was believed to be in the area of 119 Street and 23 Avenue, near Smith’s Crossing by popular hiking trails that run throughout the Terwillegar neighbourhood, at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

His disappearance is considered to be out of character, and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play, at this time. Michael is described as being a Caucasian male, 46, approximately 5’7’, 200 pounds and is bald. He may be wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans with brown suede shoes.        

Anyone with information regarding Michael’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Michael Webb, 46:
Missing since Thursday, May 11, 2017

Scott Johnson, 24, is described as a Caucasian male, around 6’0” tall and weighs 300 lbs. He has blue eyes, brown hair and may have facial hair. He was last seen wearing a blue dress shirt, grey pants that were torn on the bottom and black slip-on shoes.

Missing: Scott Johnson, 24

Johnson is autistic and police believe it is out of character for him to not be in contact with his family.

Anyone with information regarding Johnson’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Today, Amber’s parents are making a plea to the public for information in connection to their daughter’s whereabouts. 

On Sunday, May 15, 2016, Amber’s father dropped her off downtown in the area of 102 Street and 100 Avenue around 9:30 p.m. to meet up with friends.

No one has seen or heard from her since.

“Our family does not have any peace,” says Marty Juknevic, Amber’s mother. “We just want to find Amber and know what happened to her.”

Amber has Asperger’s syndrome and other medical conditions that require medication. Her family explains she was friends with people who also led a high-risk life style.

“Amber’s disappearance is considered to be suspicious in nature,” says Const. Shelley Pinch with Missing Persons Unit. “It’s unusual that in an urban area, there is simply no trace of her.” 

EPS Homicide Section has been involved from the onset of the investigation and continues to assist.

The family is placing flyers around the area where she went missing with hope that a witness will come forward with information.

“Someone out there knows what happened to her. I’m convinced someone has information and I’m pleading with them to come forward to police or Crime Stoppers,” says Juknevic.

Amber Wilson, 31,  is described as Caucasian, approximately 5'1" tall, weighing 105 lbs., with brown shoulder length hair and green eyes.  She has eyeglasses and was last seen wearing a blue pullover sweater and grey pajama pants.

 
Amber Wilson, 31
Missing since May 15, 2016

Anyone who has information about Amber Wilson’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.

“Crime Prevention Week is an opportunity to do what we refer to as “target hardening” – teaching people how to be hard to victimize,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Paul Looker with the EPS Crime Prevention Unit. “The more our citizens know about what criminals are looking for, the better able they are to protect themselves and their property.”

Events this week will focus on how to prevent some of the most common crimes reported to EPS: theft from vehicles, bicycle theft, home and property crime and auto theft. More information is available at crimeprevweek.com. Partners will be using #CrimePrevWeek on social media to share information and tips.

“As we approach summer, we’re bound to see a rise in some of these crimes” notes A/S/Sgt. Looker. “We want to help Edmontonians have a fun and carefree vacation season by helping them properly secure their homes and property.”

The EPS is working with Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch, Crime Stoppers, the University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET), which is a partnership between EPS, the City of Edmonton, The Family Centre and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region to offer crime prevention tips, tools and events throughout the week.

2017 Crime Prevention Week – events and media availabilities

Monday, May 15: Theft from vehicles

What: EPS constables and Centre High students will be handing out “theft from auto” crime prevention material at various LRT stations during the afternoon rush hour.

Where: Media availability at Southgate LRT Station

When: 4 – 4:15 p.m.

Host: EPS

Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS

780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca

Tuesday, May 16: Bicycle theft

What: U-Cycle, an event to support U of A students and staff who use their bicycles on campus. Cyclists can register their bicycle through Project 529, an online bike registry that helps cyclists report a theft quickly. Discounted U-locks and bike tune-ups will also be available.

Where: Celebration Plaza, University of Alberta (south of the Administration building by the main bus loop)

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Media availability at 11 a.m.)

Host: University of Alberta and Neighbourhood Empowerment Team

Contact: Connie Marciniuk, Community Safety Liaison, City of Edmonton

780-994-8582; connie.marciniuk@edmonton.ca

Wednesday, May 17: Home and property crime prevention

What: To help citizens prepare for the summer vacation season, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch will be providing tips on how to secure your home and property when you go on holidays.

Where: Homes by Avi show home at 7016 Summerside Grande Blvd.

When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Host: Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch

Contact: Debbie Sellers, Executive Director, Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch

780-242-4006; debbiesellers@enwatch.ca

Thursday, May 18: Auto theft

What: Media launch of “Lock Out Auto Theft,” a new joint auto theft prevention campaign by the EPS, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the RCMP. Media will be able to photograph examples of heavily damaged stolen autos, and an EPS Detective and IBC Investigator will be on hand to speak to media.

Where: Police Seized Vehicles Tow Lot, 12230 124 Avenue – driveway between north and south lots

When: 1 p.m.

Host: EPS

Contact: Cheryl Voordenhout, Communications Advisor, EPS

780-421-3507; cheryl.voordenhout@edmontonpolice.ca

Northwest Division patrol officers responded to a hit-and-run collision call at approximately 12:30 a.m., Saturday, May 13, 2017, at a crosswalk on Kingsway Avenue and Tower Road.

Upon arrival, Edmonton Fire Department members were tending to a 20-year-old female lying on the road, after being struck by a Chevrolet vehicle. It was reported to officers that the suspect vehicle, the model of which remains unknown, left the scene of the collision.

The complainant was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with life-threatening injuries. 

Major Collision Investigations Unit has since taken over the investigation, and would like to speak to anyone who has information regarding the collision and/or the driver of the Chevrolet.

Anyone with information about this collision 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.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at approximately 4 p.m. officers with the EPS Hospitality Policing Unit and West Division Beats team executed a search warrant at a business in the area of 117 Avenue and 124 Street.

Officers located and seized 100 kg of illegal tobacco and 20 kg of khat with a total estimated street value of $36,000. The illegal tobacco seized amounted to an estimated $51,000 in uncollected provincial and federal taxes.

“Selling untaxed tobacco is a type of illegal trafficking and can contribute to other forms of crime,” says Sgt Colin Simpson with the Hospitality Policing Unit. “Seizures of these illegal substances undoubtedly helps to keep our communities safe.”

Yosef Tesfay Dema, 33, is charged with selling untaxed tobacco (x3), possession for purpose of trafficking, proceeds of crime and fraud over $5,000.

“As the weather gets warmer, drivers are enjoying the sunshine and the improved road conditions,” says Sgt Kerry Bates with the EPS Traffic Section “With the summer approaching we’re reminding Edmontonians that traffic safety is important regardless of the season. It is a shared responsibility that needs to be a top priority.”

Targeted enforcement during Canada Road Safety Week will focus on:

• Impaired driving

• Seatbelt and child restraint use

• Aggressive driving

• Distracted driving

From May 17-23, 2016, there were 2,625 charges laid by EPS officers during Canada Road Safety Week. Of those, 656 were for speeding, 266 for other aggressive driving offences, 36 for seatbelt violations and 165 for distracted driving. There were 48 charges laid for alcohol impaired driving and 55 driving suspensions.

The City of Edmonton’s Traffic Safety Section is hopeful that this year’s numbers, in particular, impaired driving, will be lower, as they continue to strive towards the City’s Vision Zero Strategy of zero traffic fatalities and zero serious injuries.

“During long weekends, we often see a spike in impaired driving. People get in holiday mode, consume alcohol and get behind the wheel,” says Laura Thue, Senior Research Coordinator with City of Edmonton Traffic Safety. “The City of Edmonton and EPS would like to remind citizens that drinking and driving has serious consequences. By not drinking and driving, we all contribute to safer city streets.”

Beyond targeted enforcement in key areas, officers will also continue to monitor and enforce Edmonton’s speed limits, as the number of excessive speeders rises with spring’s arrival. In early May, West Division Traffic Team officers observed several drivers on the Anthony Henday travelling in excess of 50 km/h over the legal posted limit, the fastest recorded at 166 km/h in the 100 km/h posted speed zone. In each of these incidents, the drivers were issued a compulsory court appearance.

Officers with the EPS Traffic Section also recently charged a motorcyclist with dangerous driving after excessive speeding ended in a minor collision. Travelling as part of a group, the motorcycles were observed at speeds reaching 129 km/h in a 60 km/h zone that borders a residential neighbourhood.

“Motorists are reminded that ignoring posted speed limits can result in substantial fines, demerits, license suspensions and even serious injury or death,” says Const. Trevor Henderson with the EPS West Division Traffic Team “The EPS is committed to monitoring drivers’ speeds on all Edmonton roadways and we encourage citizens to drive safely and responsibly at all times.”

Southeast Division patrol officers arrested the male, after responding to a robbery call near a convenience store at 60 Street and Mill Woods Road at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2017.

“This involved some excellent police work from the division,” said EPS A/Det. Nancy Ho. “This individual traumatized a lot of people, resulting in some employees even quitting their jobs out of fear, so we’re pleased to have him charged and before the courts.”

Patrol officers and cruisers flooded the area in search of the suspect, who had fled the scene in a Mini-Cooper vehicle. Two officers quickly spotted and cornered a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle description near 16A Avenue east of Mill Woods Road, before arresting the male driver without incident.

Dubbed “The Hangover Bandit” after several witness accounts described the suspect as having a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, the accused is alleged to have conducted 14 robberies at knife point throughout southeast Edmonton between Dec. 30, 2016 and May 14, 2017.

Justin James Taylor, 27, of Beaumont, is charged with robbery (x 20), wearing a disguise with intent (x 14), possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose (x13) and uttering threats. 

foA joint investigation between the Edmonton Police Service and Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission uncovered multiple fraudulent transactions totalling more than $206, 000 that were withdrawn from the Children’s Heart Society bank accounts.

It is alleged that the transactions were made between 2013 and 2016.

The six-month investigation culminated with Asa Wedman, 40, the former treasurer of the CHS, being charged with theft over $5,000 (x2) and fraud over $5,000 (x2).

At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, West Division patrol officers were called to a residence in the area of 97 Avenue and 221 Street after three males broke into a home. It was reported that a confrontation ensued between the homeowner and the suspects. A weapon was allegedly produced by the male suspects, who then fled the residence in a dark-coloured SUV.

“We are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen, heard or possess surveillance of any suspicious activity in the area of 97 Avenue and 221 Street between 2 and 3 o’clock this morning,” says Det. Bill Countryman with EPS West Division’s Criminal Investigation Section.

“Specifically, we are looking to identify the three male suspects and the dark-coloured SUV seen leaving the residence.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information about this break and enter 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.

EPS, RCMP and IBC are launching an educational campaign, Lock Out Auto Theft, to help citizens protect themselves from rising auto theft rates. The campaign consists of social media posts, a website, a new video featuring aerial police footage and advertising.

Over the course of 2016, 4,865 vehicles were stolen in Edmonton, a 41 per cent increase from the 3,453 vehicles stolen in 2015. Incidents of auto theft have remained high in 2017, with 1,260 thefts from January through April, similar to the 1,267 thefts that occurred during the same time period last year. IBC estimates that 60 per cent of stolen vehicles had keys inside.

“Our members are working hard not only to catch thieves in action but also to identify and recover stolen vehicles, but we need citizens’ help,” says Det. Dwayne Karpo of the EPS Auto Theft Unit. “It may seem obvious, but the majority of vehicles that are stolen have keys inside, are left unlocked or left running. We’re asking Edmontonians to lock their vehicles, take their keys and remove their valuables.”

Stolen vehicles are not just a drain on police resources; they are a threat to public safety. “Every year, many people are injured or die as a direct result of auto theft. When it’s in the hands of a thief, a stolen car is like a loaded gun,” says Alfred Normand, Acting Director of Investigative Service Division of IBC Western and Pacific Region.

“Thieves don’t care how they drive,” adds Det. Karpo. “They break traffic laws and cause collisions, damaging property and endangering officers and the public.”

Stolen autos are frequently used in other crimes, such as drug trafficking, break and enters, robberies and hit and runs. Stolen property, drugs and weapons are routinely recovered from stolen vehicles.

Photo: On March 25 at approximately 7:30 p.m., a stolen vehicle veered off the road into an unoccupied bus shelter in the area of Abbottsfield Road and 118 Avenue. Multiple witnesses reported that it was travelling at high speed. Shortly after, police located a male suspect and arrested him.

On Mar. 23, 2017, police received a report that two vehicles had been stolen from a local luxury car dealership using fraudulent identification. Following investigation by the EPS Auto Theft Unit, detectives uncovered a Canada-wide auto-theft operation originating in Ontario and involving dealerships across the country. Thieves reportedly applied to purchase the vehicles online using stolen or fraudulent identification and then travelled from out-of-province to retrieve the vehicles and drive them to Ontario.

With the assistance of EPS West Division officers and members of the Saskatoon Police Service, three stolen luxury cars and one stolen luxury truck were recovered in Saskatoon on Mar. 24, 2017. An additional luxury vehicle was also recovered in Edmonton on Mar. 29, 2017 and resulted in the arrest of a 45-year-old male. Police continue to investigate and are seeking two additional female suspects.

“This investigation involved the cooperation of several police, government and financial agencies across the country,” says Det. Dwayne Karpo with the EPS Auto Theft Unit. “Thanks to their support, we were able to successfully interrupt this nationwide auto-theft operation and prevent further identity fraud.”

The total estimated value of the five recovered vehicles is approximately $525,000.

Gene Nikota, 45, has been charged with fraud over $5000, possess stolen property over $5000, possess identity document (x2), utter a forged document (x2) and intent/obtain property.

Kimberly Barlow, 38, and Jennifer Callihoo, 33, are wanted for a total of 40 auto and identity theft offences and Canada wide warrants have been issued for their arrests. Photos of Barlow and Callihoo are included below.

Kimberly Barlow, 38

Jennifer Callihoo, 33

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Barlow and Callihoo are 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.

A surveillance camera captured images of a dark-coloured Chevrolet HHR vehicle travelling to and from a home in the Pleasantview neighbourhood where the murder occurred, 106 Street and 61 Avenue. on Sunday, April 30, 2017, at approximately 3 p.m.

Chevrolet HHR: Captured on surveillance
camera near murder scene, 106 Street and 61 Avenue

Investigators would also like to speak with anyone else that had visited the 61 Street basement suite on April 30^th, 2017, the day that Skrepnek-Rey was killed.

Anyone visiting that address on April 30^th is asked 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.

Background:
Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives have laid charges in connection with the death of a man who was found deceased on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

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. 

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

The ceremony will take place:

Friday, May 19, 2017

1 – 3 p.m.

City Room (Main Floor) Edmonton City Hall

1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

Police Chief Rod Knecht will be joined at the ceremony by MLA David Shepherd, Deputy Mayor Andrew Knack and Cathy Palmer, Chair of the Edmonton Police Commission. 

The program will include a formal procession by the EPS Honour Guard, performances by the EPS Pipes and Drums and the EPS Chorus, colourful flag and marching drills, comments from EPS members and special guests, and diploma presentations.  Recruit class members will also receive recognition awards for demonstrating excellence in problem solving, officer safety, academics, humanitarianism, fitness and the trainers’ choice category. 

Members of the public and media are invited to join family and friends at the graduation ceremony. Interviews can take place following the ceremony.

For information on joining the EPS, please visit www.joinEPS.ca.