Friday’s game will feature various members of the EPS in prominent roles during the pre-game festivities and half-time show. Prior to the game, citizens will be able to interact with police members and check out historic vehicles in front of Commonwealth Stadium. To start off the game, the EPS Honour Guard will accompany EPS Const. Jason Crotty onto the field to sing the national anthem, police members will unfurl the Canadian flag, and EPS Constable and former Edmonton Eskimo Rob Brown will crank the touchdown siren. The half-time show will be put on by EPS Air One and Canine units.

“We are honoured the Edmonton Eskimos are recognizing our 125^th anniversary,” says Chief Rod Knecht. “They are valued partners who do great work in our community, and in fact, a few of our members came to us from the Eskimos, so we have a strong relationship with this organization.”    

The Eskimos game is one of many public activities planned to celebrate the EPS’ 125^th anniversary in 2017, which include a free public picnic at Borden Park on August 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 on the history of the EPS, visit the website.

Northwest Division patrol officers responded to a residential address near 130 Street and 129 Avenue, after receiving a weapons complaint at approximately 9:50 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017.

Upon arrival, officers found a male who appeared to have sustained gun-shot wounds slumped over in a vehicle that was parked on a residential street.

Paramedics treated and transported the unknown male to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in hospital this morning in critical condition.

There are no suspect or suspect vehicle descriptions available at this time.

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.

Homicide detectives, who have since taken over the investigation, believe that Peter Penac, 31, was sitting in his white, four-door Lexus when he was shot Saturday evening.

Penac, who is known to police, sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the shooting incident, which occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m., Aug. 5, while parked in a northwest residential neighbourhood near 130 Street and 129 Avenue.

The 31 year old remains in hospital this afternoon in critical condition.

Anyone with information about this shooting and/or Penac’s whereabouts leading up to Saturday’s 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.

Background:

Investigators believe the vehicle (see image below) is a 1998-2003 red, two door, Ford Escort. A nearby surveillance camera recorded images of the suspect vehicle leaving the area Saturday evening, directly following the shooting incident.

An autopsy conducted by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Officer earlier this week confirmed Penac, 31, died as a result of a gunshot wound in connection with the shooting incident that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 5^th.

Penac was shot while sitting in his vehicle in a northwest Edmonton residential neighbourhood Saturday evening at approximately 9:50 p.m. He was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics where he would eventually succumb to his injuries Monday afternoon, Aug. 7, 2017.

Investigators continue to seek information surrounding Penac’s death, which has now been officially deemed Edmonton’s 31^st homicide of 2017.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this suspect vehicle or this homicide 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:

Northwest Division patrol officers responded to a residential address near 130 Street and 129 Avenue, after receiving a weapons complaint at approximately 9:50 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017.

Upon arrival, officers found a male who appeared to have sustained a gun-shot wound slumped over in a vehicle that was parked on a residential street.

Homcide #31: Suspect Vehicle is believed
to be a 1998-2003 red, two door, Ford Escort.

The ceremony will take place:

Friday, August 11, 2017

1 – 3 p.m.

City Room (Main Floor) Edmonton City Hall

1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

Chief Rod Knecht will be joined at the ceremony by MLA David Shepherd, Deputy Mayor Tony Caterina 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 will take place following the ceremony.

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

Southwest Division patrol officers responded to the collision call at approximately 2 a.m., Thursday, August 10, 2017, on Calgary Trail just north of the Whitemud. Upon arrival officers found a male lying on the ground in the middle of the road in medical duress.

Paramedics treated and transported the male to hospital, where he remains today in serious condition.

The driver of an unidentified vehicle left the scene after the collision, and may have driven westbound down the 106 Street exit ramp. Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have information about the driver and/or the vehicle involved.

Anyone with information 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.

A CDSA search warrant was executed on a residence in the area of 103 Street and 161 Avenue on Thursday, July 20 and two vehicles were seized as part of the investigation.

One of the vehicles, a Jeep Liberty, contained a sophisticated aftermarket hidden compartment in its trunk, in which members located $125,000 CAD and 2.9 kg of pressed soft cocaine.  Officers found 1 kg of cocaine in the second vehicle, a Range Rover.

When officers conducted the CDSA search warrant on the residence, they located the following:

• More than $54,000 in Canadian currency
• 2,553.8 g of buffing agent
• 1,339.7 g of cocaine (including crack cocaine)
• 459.6 g of methamphetamine
• 2,295 pills suspected to be oxycodone
• 0.6 g of heroin
• A money counter, scale and heat sealer
• Multiple packaging materials and empty cocaine wrappers

The following individuals have been charged:

On Tuesday, July 25, 2017, it was reported that 17 memorial plaques were stolen from a green space in Griesbach. As a result of media coverage, investigators from Northwest Division were contacted the following day (July 26, 2017) by a local scrap metal dealer, after staff recognized the plaques.

On Tuesday, August 8, 2017, Romelo Joseph Woolf, 45, was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and fraud under $5,000.

While it was initially reported that 17 memorial plaques were missing, investigators recovered 18 plaques in total – 15 of which were unsalvageable and the other three were damaged, although intact.

“The City of Edmonton is working alongside the Griesbach community and community stakeholders to replace the memorial plaques and repair the pedestals they were mounted on,” says Det. Eric Wilde with Northwest Division’s Criminal Investigation Section.

“We are grateful to the media for covering this story, which ultimately led us to these invaluable plaques,” says Wilde.

Woolf is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

The investigation continues.

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. 

At approximately 8:15 p.m., on August 12, 2017, police responded to the area of 157 Street and 99 Avenue after it was reported a five-year-old girl had been approached by a male not known to her. The male allegedly took hold of the girl’s handle bars and led her away from the area on foot.

The girl’s older brother, who was with her at the time, ran to a nearby residence where he notified another family member of the alleged abduction. Family members took chase in the direction the suspect fled and located the five-year-old girl minutes later, approximately one block away, safe and unharmed. Police located the male suspect in the area shortly thereafter.

“This young man followed his instincts and certainly did the right thing by running home and notifying family members immediately,” says Det. Manuel Illner with the EPS Child Protection Section.  

“I encourage all parents to talk to their children about what to do in the event they are approached by a stranger,” says Illner.

Illner praised the young boy for his swift action and attempts to protect his little sister.

Dusty Greg Chalifoux, 37, is charged with abducting a child under 14 years of age and breaching recognizance.

EPS Child Protection detectives continue to investigate.

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.

With the assistance of the RCMP Auto Theft North, EPS dismantled a large chop shop in earlier this summer after executing a search warrant on Car Masters Collision Ltd. in northeast Edmonton.

“We believe there are more than 140 complainants in this file,” says Dwayne Karpo with the EPS Auto Theft Unit. “Many of the recovered items were reported to various policing agencies.”

Three individuals have been charged in relation to this file: Allan McKay, 53, Crystal McKay 35, Amanda Stepien, 33.

The charges include:

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000 (global charge for 142 complainants)

• Possession of stolen property under $5,000

• Possession of property for purposes of trafficking

• Alter or remove VIN

• Fraud over $5,000
  Unauthorized possession of prohibited device
  Participation in criminal organization  

“We believe this was a highly organized chop shop,” says Karpo, “This was a complex investigation and the EPS used significant internal and external resources to identify all of the vehicle components.” 

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is a not-for-profit trade association that represents a majority of insurance products in Canada. With their expertise, the IBC assisted the EPS to identify the stolen vehicles and auto parts in this complex file.

"The IBC commends the Edmonton Police Service for its focus on organized auto crime groups.  We were pleased to provide assistance in this investigation in support of our law enforcement partners,” says Bill Adams, Vice President, Western Region, IBC.

After a lengthy process of sorting through all of the various vehicle pieces, police discovered the following:

Theft of auto files reported:

• Edmonton Police Service files: 87

• RCMP files: 68      

• Calgary Police files: 6

Estimated value of vehicles: more than $7 Million*.  

The most expensive vehicle was 2012 Dodge 3500 estimated value: $109,000.

*The value is an estimate based on the year, make and model of vehicles.

Vehicles Recovered in part or whole:

Vehicles: 159 (141 reported stolen)

Stolen vehicles recovered by make:

• Ford: 28 Dodge: 79

• GMC/Chevrolet: 13

• Miscellaneous Vehicles: 19

• Trailer: 1

• Heavy Equipment (bobcat): 1

Stolen licence plates recovered: 20 (13 EPS files, 7 RCMP files)

Background

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

Deepakkumar Shienh, 52, was last seen leaving his residence at approximately 10 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, 2017 in the area of Ellerslie Road and 111 Street. Shienh’s vehicle, a gold Ford Fusion, was recovered in the area of Victoria Park at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. Police conducted a search in the area, but Shienh was not located.

Shienh is described as 5’7”, 170 lbs with black hair and dark brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark grey t-shirt, blue jeans, blue running shoes and a grey hoodie.

Missing: Deepakkumar Shienh, 52

Shienh’s 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.

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

EPS 125^th Anniversary Picnic in the Park

Borden Park, 7703 Borden Park Road

Sunday, August 20, 2017, 1 – 5 p.m.

Free parking in Northlands Park South Lot

It will be an afternoon of fun with free family activities, games, prize draws, entertainment, and free hot dogs for the first 1,000 people.  EPS specialized units such as Air One, Tactical, Canine, and Crime Scenes Investigations (CSI) will also be on display.

“This is a great opportunity for people to get up close and personal with the officers and equipment operating behind the scenes to keep our city safe,” says Chief Rod Knecht.  “We have all of them together in one place, and typically the only time these units come together is during a major emergency.  This time, they’ll be able to take a few moments to talk, answer questions, and even have some fun.”

There will be children's activities such as face painting, balloon animals, bouncy houses, and a petting zoo too.  Children of all ages can try out the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, or the Recruiting Unit’s Officer Skills Challenge.

It will be ‘back to the future’ as future EPS constables (Recruit Training Class #140) attempt to re-create the classic tug-of-war and sack race challenges from days gone by.  Youth are also challenged to follow in the footsteps of Canada’s first Indigenous police officer and Olympian, and check their speed in the Const. Alex Decoteau Dash.

Much like other picnics and get-togethers with family and friends, it will feature toe-tapping music, including a country / rock band made up entirely of EPS officers, and a performance by up-and-coming country sensation Hailey Benedict, the 15-year-old granddaughter of a retired EPS detective.

The public can also enter to win numerous prizes for all ages, such as two tickets to an Edmonton Oilers versus Philadelphia Flyers game at Rogers Place (donated by the Oilers Entertainment Group), and an adult grand prize of a once-in-a-lifetime ride-along on the new EPS Air One helicopter.

The picnic is sponsored by the Edmonton Police Foundation, whose community and corporate support has been invaluable to the Edmonton Police Service.

“The Foundation has a powerful and positive relationship with the EPS, and we are proud to sponsor the Picnic in the Park as part of their 125^th anniversary milestone,” says Karla Schell, Executive Director of the Edmonton Police Foundation.  “Police play a vital role in our community every day, but when you consider the impact a police officer has on a child’s life simply by playing with them, it’s clear that an event like this is an investment in the future.”

Chief Knecht adds, “Throughout our anniversary celebrations we’ve seen an outpouring of appreciation and support from the community that we’re truly thankful for.  There’s a sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished together and where we’re going as a police service.”

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, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/125years.

Joseph Ricard, 87, was last seen at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 at his residence in the area of 104 Avenue and 142 Street.

Ricard is described as a Caucasian male with thinning grey hair and brown eyes. He is 5’5” tall, weighing approximately 120 lbs and was last seen carrying a red/burgundy suitcase.

Missing: Joseph Ricard, 87
 

Ricard is known to frequent McDonald’s restaurants in west and downtown Edmonton and also occasionally visits the Spruce Grove area.

Ricard suffers from a medical condition that may cause confusion and disorientation and requires medication. As such, there are concerns for his well-being. There are no indications to suggest foul play.

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

At approximately 5 p.m. West Division officers responded to a two-vehicle collision in the area of 163 Street and 92 Avenue.  It was reported that a blue 2015 Dodge Ram truck travelling northbound on 163 Street struck a black 2010 Honda CR-V that was turning onto 163 Street southbound from 92 Avenue westbound. The collision allegedly caused the Ram truck to veer off the road, strike a tree and come to rest in the front yard of a nearby residence.

The CR-V was occupied by four individuals - three females and one male. EMS responded, treated and transported two female passengers, a 59-year-old and a 90-year-old, to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 68-year-old male driver of the CR-V and an additional passenger, a 67-year-old female, did not sustain any injuries.

The Ram truck was also occupied by four individuals – two females and two males. The two female passengers, a seven-year-old and a 51-year-old, were treated by EMS and transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The 20-year-old male driver and an additional passenger, a 67-year-old male, did not sustain any injuries.

On Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 the 90-year-old female passenger in the CR-V succumbed to her injuries. The 59-year-old female passenger remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police believe that speed may have been a factor in this collision. No charges have been laid at this time.

EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate.

Anyone with information is encouraged 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.

A 26-year-old male is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

A vehicle that is believed to be connected to this incident was recovered in Downtown Division. 

As police continue to investigate, no further information will be released at this time. 

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

The Edmonton Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence at 1040 Armitage Crescent in southwest Edmonton just before 4 a.m. this morning, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. The Edmonton Police Service was called to assist at the scene minutes later.

It was reported that eight people were in the residence and six of them escaped safely. Two people – a mother and a baby - were trapped inside the residence. All eight people were treated and transported to hospital by EPS.  The mother is still in hospital with life-threatening injuries but the 5-month old baby succumbed to his injuries.

The individuals in the residence were not all related. They include:  

1. 58-year-old male

2. 40-year-old male

3. 24-year-old male

4. 35-year-old female

5. 29-year-old female (life-threatening injuries)

6. 7-year old child

7. 5-year old child

8. 5-month-old baby boy (deceased)

The suspicious residential fire has now been deemed arson. EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of the infant. There are no suspects in custody.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. (Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017).

This is Edmonton’s 32^nd homicide of 2017.

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

The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy this morning on the 5-month-old and determined the cause of death to be smoke inhalation.

The mother remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

There are no suspects in custody. Homicide detectives continue to investigate.

This is Edmonton’s 32^nd homicide of 2017.

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.

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

Background

Homicide Section and Arson Unit are investigating a house fire that claimed the life of a baby.

The Edmonton Fire Department responded to a fire at a residence at 1040 Armitage Crescent in southwest Edmonton just before 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017. The Edmonton Police Service was called to assist at the scene minutes later.

It was reported that eight people were in the residence and six of them escaped safely. Two people – a mother and a baby - were trapped inside the residence. All eight people were treated and transported to hospital by EPS.  The mother is still in hospital with life-threatening injuries but the 5-month old baby succumbed to his injuries.

The individuals in the residence were not all related. They include:

1. 58-year-old male

2. 40-year-old male

3. 24-year-old male

4. 35-year-old female

5. 29-year-old female (life-threatening injuries).

6. 7-year old child

7. 5-year old child

8. 5-month-old baby boy (deceased).

The suspicious residential fire has now been deemed arson. EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of the infant.

On Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at approximately 11 p.m., West Division officers conducted a traffic stop around 64 Avenue and 172 Street after observing suspicious activity in the area. Following a search of the vehicle - a white 2013 Volkswagen Jetta -1.8 kg of cocaine and 1 kg of buffing agent were seized, with a total estimated street value of $108,000.

Shortly after the vehicle stop, at 4 a.m. on Aug. 15, 2017, officers executed a search warrant on a nearby residence in the area of 172 Street and 63 Avenue. This warrant resulted in an additional seizure of cash, totaling $14,800.

Fareedullah Attai, 33, was taken into custody without incident during the traffic stop and has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Officers continue to investigate.

On May 10, 2017 officers received a complaint regarding personal financial information that had allegedly been stolen and fraudulently used to make purchases. The information had reportedly been stolen following the complainant’s attempt to make a purchase on a website called Fazny (http://www.fazny.ca).

While completing a purchase at Fazny, the complainant received repeated errors indicating that the payment could not be processed. A short time later, suspicious purchases appeared on financial statements and the complainant reported the matter to police.

Following a complex investigation, the EPS Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit determined the complainant’s information had been stolen at fazny.ca. The website, which attracted consumers using Facebook ads, was reportedly selling computer accessories using images and product descriptions copied from other legitimate online retailers.

Pursuant to a court order, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), the organization that manages the .CA domain on behalf of Canadians, facilitated officers seizing the domain and redirecting it to a police controlled server, effectively taking the fraudulent website offline.

“Seizing the domain serves two purposes; to identify further victims and to prevent further fraud,” says Const. Phil Hawkins of the Cyber Crimes Investigation Unit. “We believe others may also have been defrauded by this website and want to encourage them to report the incident(s) to their local law enforcement agency.”

Photos of the website are below. Officers continue to investigate.

Anyone who has information about this crime 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.