At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013, police received reports of three men allegedly parachuting, or BASE jumping, from a building in the area of Jasper Avenue and 119 Street. It was reported that three adult males allegedly entered a fenced construction site, and jumped from one of the top floors of the building, landing a short distance away on the Victoria Promenade (100 Avenue) and fleeing in a waiting vehicle. Police responded but the individuals were not apprehended.
Police are continuing to investigate but warn potential copycat jumpers of the inherent risks and consequences of the activity.
“Regardless of how well-prepared jumpers believe they are, this is a very dangerous and illegal activity not at all suited for an urban environment,” says EPS Inspector Brian Nowlan. “The safety of the jumpers and persons on the street has to be considered as everything is over in a matter of seconds. There is the real potential for things to go wrong – with equipment or wind conditions or even traffic on the street – and there is the real possibility of injury and death as well as property damage. Thankfully, there have only been a few of these incidents here over the years. Depending on the circumstances, jumpers can face charges such as trespassing, break and enter, or mischief.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.