Police are investigating a series of 16 incidents that have occurred at gas stations, as well as grocery and convenience stores throughout Edmonton.
Investigators believe the series commenced on Dec. 5, 2017, when a large quantity of lottery tickets were stolen from a gas station near 50 Street and 23 Avenue in southeast Edmonton. On Dec. 10, 2017, it is alleged the accused attempted to cash in between 500-700 lottery tickets at a convenience store near 84 Avenue and 112 Street. In most of the thefts, it is alleged that Ethier stole large numbers of lottery tickets, after distracting a store employee with a variety of tasks, such as asking for cigarettes, to borrow a phone etc.
Police are also cautioning store clerks who may be approached by Ethier, following a Feb. 28 incident in a west-end grocery store. It was reported to police that Ethier entered the grocery store and was verbally confronted by a store employee, after being recognized as the individual allegedly involved in a previous theft of lottery tickets at that same location back on Feb. 19, 2018.
The accused then allegedly reached over a counter and stole a board full of lottery tickets, before fleeing the store on foot. The employee pursued the accused through the parking lot, when it is alleged that Ethier stopped, turned around and punched the employee in the throat.
In the most recent incident which occurred yesterday, Thursday, March 1, 2018, it is alleged that the accused entered a grocery store in northeast Edmonton and stole an undisclosed number of lottery tickets.
Warrants for theft under $5,000 (x7), robbery and possession of stolen property have since been issued for Ethier’s arrest.
Police encourage anyone with information regarding Deston Ethier’s whereabouts to contact the EPS directly 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.
Wanted: Deston Ethier, 23 - Suspect in lottery ticket theft series