On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at approximately 7:10 p.m. Downtown Division officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of 103 Avenue and 113 Street. Upon arrival, witnesses reported that a black 2008 Chevrolet Silverado truck was travelling through the residential area at a high rate of speed, narrowly missing a large group of children at a nearby spray park. The truck then allegedly failed to stop at a yield sign and struck a red 2007 Saturn Ion travelling eastbound on 103 Avenue. The collision forced the Silverado over the curb, where it side-swiped a tree and returned to the road striking a parked vehicle. Fortunately, the driver and two passengers in the Ion did not sustain any injuries.

Following the collision, witnesses reported that the male exited the truck and fled on foot, threatening those in the vicinity with a large boulder. The accused then allegedly approached another parked vehicle and threw the boulder at the passenger window, startling the driver who immediately drove away. As police pursued the male on foot, they also observed him attempt to enter the locked, rear passenger side door of a vehicle stopped at a stop sign. After coming to a stop in the area of 102 Avenue and 112 Street, the male threatened officers with the boulder before he was taken into custody.

Upon further investigation, police determined that the the Silverado had been stolen in the area of 99 Avenue and 114 Street minutes prior to the collision. When the driver of the Silverado exited his vehicle briefly to check tire pressure, the accused reportedly jumped in the vehicle and drove off.

“Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other crimes,” says Const. Brian Meyer with EPS Downtown Division. “In this instance, it was fortunate that no one was injured.”

Recently, the EPS, RCMP and IBC launched an educational campaign, Lock Out Auto Theft, to help citizens protect themselves from rising auto theft rates.

“Unfortunately, we are encountering dangerous autotheft incidents like this one more often,” says Det. Dwayne Karpo with the EPS Auto Theft Unit. “We often don’t expect that our vehicle will be stolen if we are nearby, but thieves will take advantage of any opportunity.”

David Stewart, 36, is charged with theft of a motor vehicle, criminal hit and run, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, assault with a weapon (x3), obstruct a peace officer, assault police with a weapon, operation while disqualified (x2), breach parole (x3) and mischief under $5000.

For more information on what you can do to help fight auto theft, visit http://lockoutautotheft.ca

It has been confirmed that Justin Nicholas Allen, 28, died from gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide.

On June 1, 2017 at 1:19 a.m. Northeast Division police officers responded to a weapons complaint and report of a man lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wound(s) at Hermitage Road and 40 Street.  EMS attended to the victim, who was later declared deceased in hospital.

Detectives continue to interview witnesses.

“We want to speak with anyone who had contact with Justin just before he was killed,” says Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter of Homicide Section. “He’s known to frequent a pub in the area where he was found on the morning of June 1.”

Anyone with information about what led up to the death or about the suspects are 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.

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

Upon arrival, Edmonton Fire Rescue was treating a 19-year-old female who had reportedly been struck by a vehicle. EMS treated and transported the female to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect vehicle did not remain at the scene.

The female remains in hospital in serious but stable condition.

The EPS Major Collision Investigations Unit has since recovered video footage from the area and is releasing photos of the vehicle believed to be involved in the collision. The vehicle is described as a 2002-2005, white, four-door Chevrolet Trailblazer with tinted front windows, a roof rack and black trim along the bottom of both doors.

“We’d like to speak with anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area of Kingsway Avenue and Tower Road just after midnight on May 13,” says Const. Braydon Lawrence with the Major Collisions Investigations Unit.

Police encourage anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or collision 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 Marine Unit will be at the 50^th Street boat launch in Capilano Park on Saturday, June 3 and the Laurier Boat Launch on Sunday, June 4 to educate citizens and ensure they have the necessary safety equipment on their motorized or human-powered water crafts before heading out on the river. 

“We will be interacting with the public to ensure everyone who is going to be enjoying the river is planning to do so safely,” says Const. Derek Jones with the EPS Marine Unit. “We will be checking that boat operators have a licence and all river users have a lifejacket with a whistle.”

The Marine Unit will be patrolling 48 km of the North Saskatchewan River by jet boat and Sea-doos for noise bylaw complaints and liquor act offences. Officers will also be patrolling during events on the river throughout the summer to ensure the safety of participants.

“As Edmontonians we’re privileged to have such a beautiful river run through our city so let’s enjoy it responsibly,” says Const. Jones.

Citizens are encouraged to visit the Safe Boating Guide available on the Transport Canada website for a complete list of boat safety regulations, and the Environment Canada website to check weather and water levels.

Yesterday afternoon, on Friday, June 2, 2017, Donald Switzer, 86, was out with his family in the area of 101 Street and 100 Avenue. Mr. Switzer was waiting in the family vehicle, when upon his family’s return at approximately 3:15 p.m., he could not be found, along with the vehicle and dog. He was in a 2005 blue Buick Allure with licence plate KKC 859.

He was wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans. He’s 5’10”, of slim build, mostly bald with grey hair, a moustache and glasses.

A citizen spotted Mr. Switzer around 5 a.m. this morning in the area of 97 Street and 132 Avenue after seeing news reports, and called EPS. The citizen followed the missing senior westbound to 128 Avenue and 82 Street, where he was last seen driving the Buick. Unfortunately, officers could not get to the area quickly enough and the search for Mr. Switzer continues.

Anyone with information about the missing senior’s location is asked to call EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.  

At approximately 4:18 a.m. this morning (June 3, 2017) the EPS received a report of a stabbing at a residence located at 64 Avenue and 184 Street. 

It was reported that several people in the home had been drinking, and at some point one of the males was asked to leave the residence. When the home owner went outside to speak with the ejected male, who is the home owner’s neighbour, he was allegedly stabbed in the upper body. The suspect was reported as going back into his own home next door, while officers responded to the scene.

Paramedics treated the stabbed male, while officers started containing the scene. While officers worked to set up a perimeter on the house and try to initiate contact with the suspect, they observed a fire in the upper level of the home. Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and extracted the male suspect from inside the home.

The suspect sustained severe burns to his body and remains in hospital in critical condition. The complainant remains in hospital in stable condition.

Southwest Division officers continue to investigate and Homicide Section has been notified.

Daniel Arthur Napper, 66, was reported missing to EPS yesterday. His disappearance is considered to be out of character. It’s believed Napper left his place of residence on May 31, 2017 in the area of 11 Avenue and 118A Street, sometime in the afternoon and hasn’t been heard from since. He may be travelling on his mountain bike (similar to the one in the photo below).

Napper typically wore black sweat pants, a grey t-shirt and shoes with green fluorescent shoe laces.

He’s 5’2”, 230 lbs., with shaggy grey hair, a beard and blue eyes.

At 1:19 a.m. Northeast Division police officers responded to a weapons complaint and report of a man lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wound(s). EMS attended to the victim, who was later declared deceased in hospital.

The victim has been identified as Justin Nicholas Allen, 28. Detectives are releasing the victim’s name for investigative purposes and are asking witnesses to come forward with information.

“We want to speak with anyone who had contact with Justin just before he was killed,” says Staff Sgt. Duane Hunter of Homicide Section. “He’s known to frequent a pub in the area where he was found this morning.”

An autopsy has been scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.

This is Edmonton’s 19^th homicide of 2017.

Anyone with information about what led up to the death or about the suspects are 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.

On Saturday, May, 6, 2017, Northeast Division responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence in the area of 118 Avenue and 39 Street.

It was reported that the residence was broken into and a suspect confronted and stabbed a male residing in the home. The male was treated and transported to hospital by EMS with non-life threatening injuries.

At this time, police believe the resident and suspect are not known to one another.

The male suspect is described as a Caucasian or olive-skinned, between the ages of 35 and 42. He is about 5’8” to 5’10” tall and has a slim build. The male has dark hair and was described as having “cauliflower ear,” an ear shape consistent with someone who participates in sports like boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts.  

Anyone with information about the suspect 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.

On Sunday, June 4, 2017, a female was driving home in the area of Anthony Henday Drive and 127 Street at 1:30 a.m. when she was directed to pull over by a vehicle with flashing lights.

It is reported that a male exited the vehicle with flashing lights, approached her pulled over vehicle and requested that she exit and to get into his vehicle. The female complied with the male, who was dressed in a uniform, assuming he was a legitimate officer.

The male suspect allegedly threatened the complainant, implying that he wouldn’t proceed with criminal charges if she performed sexual acts on him. The complainant was then driven to another area, sexually assaulted and driven to her residence.

The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 4-door, white Nissan Rogue, a model between the years of 2007 and 2013.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 25 to 30 years of age with a thin build and short brown hair. He was wearing what appeared to be a Peace Officer’s uniform, navy blue in color.

Photos of the suspect and interior of the suspicious vehicle

Anyone with information about the suspect 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.

On Thursday, June 1, 2017, police conducted a traffic stop on a 2012 Dodge Ram truck with a flat deck trailerin the area of 121 Avenue and 76 Street. Police discovered the trailer was stolen and the truck was displaying an unauthorized licence plate.

A subsequent search warrant was executed on a business and police recovered another stolen 2013 Dodge Ram truck (with an estimated value of $80,000) in the shop that was in the process of being dismantled. 

“Police are continuing to search the warehouse,” says Staff Sgt. Mark Hilton with Northeast Division Criminal Investigation Section. “We’ve only searched about a quarter of the compound so far and have found more than $600,000 worth of vehicle parts and stolen property.”

Stolen property recovered thus far includes: tool boxes, tools, a forklift, stolen licence plates, VIN plates, VIN stickers, various vehicle parts and a prohibited “butterfly knife.”

Allen McKay, 53, was charged with unauthorized possession prohibited device, possess stolen property over $5,000, possess stolen property under $5,000, possess property for purposes of trafficking and alter or remove VIN.

Chrystal Lee McKay, 36, was charged with possess stolen property over $5,000, possess property for purpose of trafficking and alter or remove VIN.

Police continue to investigate.

An 18-year-old male was dropped off at the Royal Alexandra Hospital by friends just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. He later died in hospital.

An autopsy is scheduled at noon today, Thursday, June 8, 2017.

Anyone with information about what led up to the death of this man or this incident are 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.

The Edmonton Medical Examiner determined that Tomas Echeverria-Quintana’s manner of death to be a homicide and the cause of death, a gunshot wound.  

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information about what led up to the death of this man or this incident are 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:

EPS Homicide Detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a young man who was dropped off at a hospital last night with a gunshot wound.

An 18-year-old male was dropped off at the Royal Alexandra Hospital by friends just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. He later died in hospital.

An autopsy is scheduled at noon today, Thursday, June 8, 2017.

It was reported that shots were fired after an altercation took place between a group of people outside a convenience store. 

Upon arrival, police found one male with life- threatening injuries. EMS treated, and transported the male to hospital. 

Police are speaking with witnesses and are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to police. 

Anyone with information about this incident 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.

The 22-year-old male was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon (Sunday, June 11, 2017) after shots were fired near a convenience store around 4:40 p.m. in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue.

An autopsy time has not yet been scheduled.

Anyone with information about what led up to the death of this man or this incident are 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:

The EPS responded to a weapons complaint in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue around 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, 2017.

It was reported that shots were fired after an altercation took place between a group of people near a convenience store. 

Upon arrival, police found one male with life-threatening injuries. EMS treated, and transported the male to hospital. 

Following a news release about this incident on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, the EPS received numerous tips from the public that led to the arrest of the suspect.

Upon further investigation, Northeast Division detectives determined that on Sunday, June 4, 2017, the suspect allegedly conducted a vehicle stop in the area of 91 Street and Anthony Henday Drive around 2 a.m. It was reported that he convinced the complainant to enter into his vehicle, sexually assaulted her in the Borden Park area and then drove her back to her residence.

On Sunday, June 11, 2017, Northeast Division officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect in the area of 39 Avenue and 97 Street, and arrested him without incident.

Paul David Derksen, 50, has been charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.

Derksen is currently remanded and is due in court on Wednesday, June 14, 2017.

Derksen was contracted by the City of Edmonton Traffic Safety section as an automated enforcement supervisor and employed by the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He is believed to have been wearing his legitimate uniform while driving home from work in his personal vehicle, a 2009 Nissan Rogue.   

The EPS is releasing the photo of the suspect and asking any other complainants to come forward to police.

Paul Derksen, 50.

Anyone with information 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.

Police are releasing images of two vehicles were driven by the suspects. One vehicle is a newer model, dark grey Dodge Durango and the other, a dark coloured SUV.

Suspicious Dodge Durango

Suspicious SUV

An autopsy of the 22-year-old male is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13 at 9 a.m.

Anyone with information about these vehicles or suspects in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Sunday, June 11, 2017, 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

EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of a male who died overnight in hospital.

The 22-year-old male was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon (Sunday, June 11, 2017) after shots were fired near a convenience store around 4:40 p.m. in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue.

In June 2016, the EPS Hate Crimes Unit began investigating following multiple complaints related to hateful content published across several websites. The websites included daily posts that used strong, hate-based rhetoric that targeted various communities. Some posts allegedly alluded to violent threats and harm against specific individuals.

Following a thorough investigation, that included websites dating from 2014 to the present, Barry Winters, 62, was charged with willful promotion of hatred.

“There is often an assumption of anonymity when crimes are committed in an online forum,” says Const. Trevor Shelrud with the EPS Hate Crime Unit. “We want citizens to know that regardless of the forum, we take hate crime seriously.”

The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Abdullahi Nur-Abdulle, 22, yesterday (Tuesday, June 13, 2017) and determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound and the manner of death to be a homicide.

Homicide detectives continue to request the public’s assistance to locate two suspicious vehicles that are connected to the shooting.

The images below are the vehicles that were driven by the suspects. One vehicle is a newer model, dark grey Dodge Durango and the other, a black Hyundi Tucson.

Anyone with information about these vehicles or suspects in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Sunday, June 11, 2017, 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

EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of a male who died overnight in hospital.

The 22-year-old male was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon (Sunday, June 11, 2017) after shots were fired near a convenience store around 4:40 p.m. in the area of 118 Street and 145 Avenue.