On Monday, March 4, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Southeast Division officers responded to the report of a carjacking that took place in the parking lot of a business in the area of 23 Avenue and 24 Street. It was reported to police that an adult female was exiting her vehicle in the parking lot when she was approached by two male suspects who demanded the keys to her black 2016 Toyota Rav4. The suspects then allegedly choked the female and threatened her with a knife. After receiving the keys, one of the suspects reportedly fled in the female’s Rav4 while the other fled in a black/blue truck or SUV. The female complainant was not injured.
Earlier today, Tuesday, March 5, 2019, police received reports of two additional carjackings in southeast Edmonton involving suspects of a similar description:
At approximately 12:55 a.m., an adult male had just parked his white 2013 GMC Acadia on the road in the area of 85 Street and 7 Avenue SW when he was reportedly approached by two males in a black SUV seeking assistance finding an address. The two males then allegedly exited their vehicle and demanded the complainant’s vehicle keys. When the keys were not provided, an altercation reportedly took place and the male complaint suffered minor injuries. The men then allegedly fled the area in the black SUV.
At approximately 12:55 p.m., an adult female was reportedly loading items into her red 2019 Kia Sportage in a parking lot in the area of 70 Street and Stanton Dr. SW when she was approached by two males in a black SUV who demanded her vehicle keys. After providing the keys, one of the males allegedly assaulted her and both fled the area with her vehicle and the black SUV. The female complainant suffered minor injuries as a result.
Investigators believe that all three carjackings are linked and may involve the same suspects. In each incident the suspects were described as males between the ages of 25 and 35, approximately 5’6” to 5’11” in height, with medium skin tone and an average build. One of the suspects was described as having facial scruff.
Officers also believe the suspects may be driving one of the two vehicles stolen (pictured below) and encourage anyone who sees these vehicles or the suspects to not approach them and immediately call police.
Black 2016 Toyota Rav4
AB license # BVW 0059
Red 2019 Kia Sportage (stock photo)
AB license # M58038
Detectives continue to actively investigate these incidents and are warning motorists to be aware of their surroundings, in particular when entering and exiting their parked vehicles. Drivers are also advised to look around when approaching their vehicles and, if they notice suspicious activity, change their direction and proceed to a public area. Parking in well-lit, public areas, locking their doors immediately after entering and exiting their vehicles and keeping their doors locked while driving is recommended.
If approached by an unknown person who demands vehicle keys, drivers are advised to always comply and call police as soon as it is safe to do so.
Anyone with information about these crimes 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.p3tips.com/250.