Policing in Alberta to November 9. 2013

RCMP press release

• RCMP Red Deer City seeking the public assistance to locate missing woman
• Assistant Commissioner Marianne Ryan appointed new Commanding Officer of “K” Division
• Search Warrant for Stolen Property in Olds leads to charges
• Search warrant nets multiple charges for Spruce Grove man
• Male arrested in Okotoks and faces several charges after fleeing from police in Calgary
• Suspect sought after Okotoks Walmart theft
• Wanted Wetaskiwin man turns himself in
• Two vehicle collision near Nobleford, minor injuries, charges laid
• Pedestrian Hit and Run in St. Albert
• Kidnapping and Break and Enter to Airdrie No Frill's Grocery Store
• RCMP makes a second arrest in Chelsea Yellowbird's homicide
• Theft of fuel tanks at Brooks UFA
• Police recover over $200,000 in stolen property in Grande Prairie and Wembley
• Charges pending after Red Deer and Innisfail drug searches
•  RCMP Cochrane respond to residential Break and Enter
• Motor Vehicle Collision on Highway 63 near Boyle results in charges

RCMP Red Deer City seeking the public assistance to locate missing woman

Missing: Nicole Schaub

Red Deer City RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating, 27 year old, Nicole Schaub.  She has not been seen for an extended period of time and her well-being is of concern.

Nicole Schaub is described as:

• Caucasian
• 5’4”
• 150 lbs
• Shoulder length hair – when last seen was dyed blonde with dark roots (Color changes frequently)
• Brown eyes
• She has a nose piercing as well as ear piercings

If you have any information on her whereabouts you are asked to contact the Red Deer City RCMP at 403.343.5575.

Assistant Commissioner Marianne Ryan appointed new Commanding Officer of “K” Division

On November 8, 2013 RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson announced that Assistant Commissioner Marianne Ryan has been appointed the new Commanding Officer for “K” Division RCMP. The appointment takes effect immediately and comes after the recent retirement of Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan.

A/Commr. Ryan in her office at
“K” Division Headquarters in Edmonton

“I am pleased to appoint a leader with experience and credibility,” said RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson. “Marianne has won the respect of her staff and many partners by focusing on results.”

As Commanding Officer of K Division, A/Commr. Ryan assumes the responsibility of leading Alberta’s Provincial Police Service. There are 112 RCMP detachments in Alberta and more that 1.5 million Albertans live in the Division jurisdictions. She will assume the rank of Deputy Commissioner and will become a member of the Commissioner's Senior Executive Committee.

“I wish to congratulate Marianne Ryan on her appointment as the Commanding Officer for the RCMP in Alberta, and look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship with the RCMP in support of safe communities,” said Jonathan Denis, Alberta Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “I also thank retiring Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan for his dedication, service and commitment to our province and Albertans."

Marianne grew up on a farm near London, Ontario, and joined the RCMP in 1982 after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario. Her RCMP career spans 31 years and, since January 2011, she has served as the Officer-in-Charge of Criminal Operations in Alberta. She has extensive operational police experience at the local, national and international levels, including leadership roles in major investigations targeting organized crime.  A/Commr. Ryan also brings considerable administrative experience to the role of Commanding Officer of the more than 4,000 RCMP employees working in communities throughout Alberta.

 "I feel extremely honoured and privileged to serve as the Commanding Officer of the RCMP for this great province, which I now call home," said A/Commr.  Ryan. "I am especially humbled to be appointed to lead such a dedicated team of employees who do extraordinary work every day to ensure public safety in the communities we serve."

In May 2013, A/Commr. Ryan was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston. Established in October 2000, the Order of Merit honours the leadership and exceptional service demonstrated by the men and women of police agencies in Canada.  

The date of the formal Change of Command Ceremony to mark today’s appointment has yet to be determined.

Search Warrant for Stolen Property in Olds leads to charges

On November 8, 2013, the Olds RCMP detachment executed a search warrant at 5129 51st street, Olds, Alberta, searching for stolen property.   The Olds RCMP detachment had an on-going investigation relating to property offences which had been occurring throughout central Alberta.

The investigation began during a traffic stop which had been conducted in Sundre, Alberta, on October 28,  2013, by the Sundre RCMP detachment members.  During this traffic stop, the investigating member determined the vehicle had been reported stolen from Olds, Alberta, and it had been loaded with stolen property including various tools, electronics and copper wire.

On October 30, 2013, Sundre RCMP members furthered their investigation and executed a search warrant at a Sundre motel room which resulted in the recovery of a large amount of stolen property.

As a result of the Sundre RCMP’s investigation two males, Jason FURLONG (39) and Kevin LEISCHNER (42) were charged with multiple counts of theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Break in tools and Obstruction of a Peace Officer.

Following Sundre RCMP’s investigations, Olds RCMP attended to a rural Olds property with Three Hills RCMP members and recovered several items which had been stolen from various businesses in the Olds and Innisfail areas.

Olds and Innisfail RCMP detachment members continued to identify persons involved in property related offences.  The investigation resulted in the issuance of a Search Warrant which was then executed in Olds, Alberta, on November 8, 2013.

Olds RCMP searched the property situated and 5129 51st street, Olds, Alberta.  Due to air quality concerns, Olds Fire Department was called to assist and monitor the air quality while RCMP members searched the premises and garage.  As a result of the search, an estimated $30,000.00 - $40,000.00 of stolen property has been recovered.  The items include; tires, stereo equipment, tools, power tools, gardening tools, gardening chemicals and a firearm.  Many of the items were determined to be stolen from businesses in Sundre, Innisfail and as far away as Rocky Mountain House.

One female had been in custody in relation to the stolen property and a male is currently being sought in relation to these offences.  Arrest warrants are being applied for at the time of this release.

The Olds RCMP detachment is continuing this investigation and further charges may be laid in relation to property related offences.

Search warrant nets multiple charges for Spruce Grove man

On October 30th, 2013, the RCMP Spruce Grove/Stony Plain Drug Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in Spruce Grove.  Multiple items were seized, including:

• 25.9 grams of methamphetamine, packaged in bags
• 1.1 grams of cocaine in a small bag
• stolen ID, passport, Social Insurance Card, and credit card
• stolen loaded 12 gauge shotgun
• stolen .308 rifle
• a stolen Kawasaki motorcycle

No one was home at the time the search warrant was executed, and a warrant was obtained for the resident of this property.  On November 5th, police arrested and charged 29 year-old Patrick Devin REID of Spruce Grove.  He appeared before a Justice of the Peace, and was released on $800 cash bail with various conditions.  His first court appearance is November 15th in Stony Plain Provincial Court.

Patrick REID is facing the following charges:

• possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking
• possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
• breach of recognizance
• possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace x 2
• possession of a firearm without a licence x 2
• careless storage of a firearm x 2
• possession of a firearm obtained by crime x 2
• possession of property obtained by crime x 7
• REID has a lengthy criminal history, for similar offences.

RCMP have noted an increase in the prevalence of methamphetamine in the Spruce Grove/Stony Plain Detachment area.  Coupled with this is a trend towards increased property crime and weapons offence.  Vehicle and residential break-ins typically occur to support drug activity.  Further, drug trafficking is a high-risk activity that often sees traffickers arming themselves with weapons such as firearms, knives, or bats.  This is very concerning to police, and the subsequent impact on public safety cannot be understated.

Male arrested in Okotoks and faces several charges after fleeing from police in Calgary

On October 7, 2013 Okotoks RCMP were advised by Calgary Police Service that they were attempting to apprehend the driver of a pick up truck in relation to dangerous driving in Calgary.  The vehicle had fled from police when they attempted to make contact with the driver.  The truck was being observed by Calgary's HAWCS helicopter when it was observed heading south toward Okotoks.

When the vehicle entered Okotoks it continued to drive dangerously, hitting two parked cars.  Okotoks RCMP dispatched several officers and the suspect truck was subsequently contained when it entered an underground parking garage at a local food store. The suspect was apprehended after a short foot pursuit and transported to Calgary where he is facing numerous criminal charges.

Okotoks RCMP are investigating the hit and run that occurred in Okotoks and charges are pending.

Suspect sought after Okotoks Walmart theft

At approximately 0930 hrs on the 7th of November a lone Caucasian male, entered the Walmart store in Okotoks, he broke into a locked cabinet in the electronics department and stole a number of
ipad minis.

The male then walked into the Source Store across the parking lot from Wal-Mart. He was carrying one of the ipads with him. He asked an employee about purchasing a certain laptop. He agreed to purchase it and when the sales assistant went to get the packing box for it, the male fled the store with the laptop. He jumped into an SUV and fled the area.

The male is described as approximately 30 yrs old, 6' tall, medium build. He was wearing a black baseball hat with red emblem on it.  His coat was dark in colour and had a brown fur collar. The man's left arm appeared to be in a cast.

Suspect

The items stolen are easily identifiable and can be traced by serial numbers so police are cautioning members of the public from buying electronics or other suspicious property from anyone.

Any one with information on this or any other crime is asked to contact the Okotoks RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Wanted Wetaskiwin man turns himself in

The Wetaskiwin RCMP would like to advise that Wyatt Dustin BUFFALO is no longer considered wanted. On November 8th, 2013, BUFFALO attended the Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachment to turn himself in.

He is currently in police custody and is awaiting a bail hearing.

Two vehicle collision near Nobleford, minor injuries, charges laid

On November 8th, 2013 at approximately 10:00 AM, Picture Butte RCMP and Lethbridge Integrated Traffic Services along with Nobleford Fire and Lethbridge Ambulance attended the scene of a two vehicle collision which occurred on Highway 23 at Highway 519. A Ford Windstar Van which was traveling southbound on Highway 23 carrying two occupants, collided with a Dodge Ram traveling northbound on Highway 23 when it turned left across it's path to go west on to Highway 519.

One person was taken to hospital and released with only minor physical injuries.

The RCMP Collision Reconstruction member from Lethbridge attended to document the collision scene.

The driver of the Dodge Ram Pickup has been charged in relation to the collision.

Speed and Alcohol were not a factor in the collision.

Boyle RCMP member forced into ditch by tractor trailer, charges laid

On November 8, 2013 at approximately 7:30 am, a Boyle RCMP member was northbound on Highway 63, with emergency lights activated, when an oncoming tractor trailer unit attempted to overtake other vehicles, forcing the police vehicle into the ditch. While other police officers were en route to locate this driver, a 911 call was received advising that this vehicle had been involved in a separate collision.  It is alleged that the driver slid through the stop sign on Highway 63 at the Atmore Junction, striking another tractor trailer unit on the driver side.  The 54 year old driver from Edmonton is facing criminal charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He will be appearing in Boyle Provincial Court on December 24th.

Boyle RCMP are describing road conditions as snow packed and slippery in this area with patches of black ice.  As winter driving conditions are now upon us, extra precautions should be taken when heading out on area roadways.  Ensure that the road report is checked prior to departure and that you are driving to the weather/road conditions.

There were no injuries as a result of this incident.  The flow of traffic was disrupted for approximately 2 hours.

Pedestrian Hit and Run in St. Albert

On Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at approximately 8:00 a.m. a 36 year old female pedestrian, a resident of St. Albert, who was crossing the street at the intersection of St Albert Trail and Sturgeon Road/ St. Anne Street was hit by a vehicle turning from Sturgeon Road southbound onto St. Albert Trail in St. Albert, Alberta. The female driver of the vehicle hit the pedestrian on the right elbow with the passenger's side mirror, causing the side mirror to break.  The driver stopped her vehicle, got out and talked to the pedestrian, but then drove away from the collision scene.

The vehicle is described as a white car that now has a broken passenger side mirror.  The female driver was described as 20 to 30 years old with a white complexion.

St. Albert RCMP is looking for your help on this crime. If you have any information about this or any crime, call the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers.  At Crime Stoppers, you do not need to reveal your identity. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display, Call Trace or tape any phone calls. If your information leads to an arrest, you qualify for a cash award up to $2,000.00.  We want your tip, not your name. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Kidnapping and Break and Enter to Airdrie No Frill's Grocery Store

On November 6, 2013, at approximately 10:09 p.m, Airdrie RCMP were dispatched to the No Frills Grocery Store at 1050 Yankee Valley Boulevard SE, Airdrie, Alberta for a complaint of a kidnaping, robbery, break and enter and theft over $5000.00. These offences occurred between the hours of 9:30 p.m and 10:09 p.m that evening (November 6, 2013). The RCMP's Police Dog Unit and Forensic Identification Section were also dispatched to assist with the investigation.

After closing the store, a female employee departed the business and was apprehended by two unknown males while entering her personal vehicle. The suspect males then confined and transported her inside her vehicle. They took her to a discrete location for approximately 30 minutes where they made verbal threats and further demands. No weapon was seen by the victim. The suspects returned to enter the store and stole a large sum of money. The victim was not physically harmed during this incident.

The first suspect is described as a male, height of approximately 5,6" - 5,8", darker skin, dark eyes, moustache, wearing a dark jersey knit sweater, Black vest, jeans and black shoes with white laces, and was carrying a black back pack.

The second male has a height of approximately 5,8" - 6,0", slim built, darker skin, wearing a dark hooded sweat shirt and pants.

Police are asking for assistance in solving this crime and identifying these suspects. If you have any information on this incident please contact the Airdrie RCMP at (403) 945-7200 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

RCMP makes a second arrest in Chelsea Yellowbird's homicide

On November 7, 2013, RCMP Calgary Major Crimes Unit investigators arrested and charged a second Hobbema male in the homicide of 23-years-old Chelsea Yellowbird, who was shot at a residence on the Samson Cree First Nation town site on September 5, 2011.

Randall Omeasoo, age 21 of Hobbema, was arrested without incident and has been charged with First degree murder in this homicide.  Omeasso is presently in custody and will appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court at a date to be determined.

This arrest is a result of a two year investigation by the Hobbema Detachment and the Calgary Major Crimes Unit. The investigation is still ongoing with investigators interviewing witnesses and following up on any tips received from the public.

Theft of fuel tanks at Brooks UFA

The Brooks RCMP are investigating a Break and Enter that happened at UFA on Joanne Trucking Rd. sometime between September and October prior to October 26th. The suspect(s) gained access to their compound by cutting the chain linked fence and stole two 99 gallon Westeel fuel tanks. They are red in color and worth about $650 each.

The Brooks RCMP are asking the public to contact the Brooks Detachment at (403) 794-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 with any information relating to this investigation. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers.  If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest or the recovery of stolen property or the seizure of illicit drugs, you could be eligible for a cash award. 

Police recover over $200,000 in stolen property in Grande Prairie and Wembley

Yesterday afternoon RCMP conducted judicially authorized search warrants in three separate locations in Grande Prairie and Wembley.  As a result of the investigation, over $200,000 in stolen property has been recovered.]

At approximately 12:45 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Grande Prairie RCMP, including police officers from Beaverlodge and assistance from  the RCMP's auto theft section, conducted judicially authorized search warrants at two locations in Wembley and one business in Grande Prairie.  As a result of the investigation, police have recovered a variety of stolen property believed to be worth in excess of $200,000. 

Included in the items recovered were a stun gun, holiday trailers, a jet boat and trailer, 1 automobile, several flat deck and covered trailers, quads, street bikes, licence plates (including dealer plates), and a variety parts and accessories that are believed to be stolen.  RCMP have identified and contacted all the owners to notify them that their property has been recovered. 

Two people were initially arrested at the scenes but have since been released without charges.  RCMP believe that this stolen property is part of a larger sophisticated theft operation that is occurring throughout the province.  Making the investigations particularly challenging are indications that the suspects are falsifying vehicle identification numbers and tags which is making it harder to readily detect that these items are in fact stolen. 

The RCMP investigation continues.

Charges pending after Red Deer and Innisfail drug searches

On Friday November 8th  2013, Red Deer City RCMP General Investigation Section executed warrants to search dwelling houses in Red Deer and Innisfail, Alberta.

With the assistance of the “K” Division Emergency Response Team, Red Deer City Police Dog Services and  Red Deer City Community Response Unit, two residences were entered and searched for drugs.  Four (4) adult males have been arrested and are currently in police custody.  No one was injured in effecting these arrests.

Police located a significant quantity of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine and marihuana.  A number of firearms, including several handguns, have also been located and seized by police.  A large sum of Canadian currency  was recovered during the investigation.

Police have reason to believe the arrested persons have affiliations to organized crime.

Charges are pending for all arrested persons in custody and further updates will be provided as they become available.

RCMP Cochrane respond to residential Break and Enter

On Friday November 8th at approximately 3:00 am Cochrane RCMP responded to a residential break and enter in the West Valley area of town.  The suspects removed the garage door opener from an unlocked vehicle on the driveway. 

The suspects then entered the garage and proceeded into the house and were in the process of removing a TV from the home when the occupants were awakened and the suspects fled. 

A light silver or white coloured Chevrolet/GMC model SUV is believed to be associated to this occurrence. 

Cochrane RCMP wish to remind members of the community to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times and to keep valuables and garage door openers out of plain sight if vehicles are left in driveways or parked on the street.  

All matters are still under investigation and the RCMP remind members of the community to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the RCMP.

If you have any information on this incident or any other crimes , please contact the Cochrane RCMP or Crimestoppers.

Motor Vehicle Collision on Highway 63 near Boyle results in charges

On November 8, 2013 at approximately 7:30 am, a Boyle RCMP member was northbound on Highway 63, with emergency lights activated, when an oncoming tractor trailer unit attempted to overtake other vehicles, forcing the police vehicle into the ditch. While other police officers were en route to locate this driver, a 911 call was received advising that this vehicle had been involved in a separate collision.  It is alleged that the driver slid through the stop sign on Highway 63 at the Atmore Junction, striking another tractor trailer unit on the driver side.  The 54 year old driver from Edmonton is facing criminal charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. He will be appearing in Boyle Provincial Court on December 24th.

Boyle RCMP are describing road conditions as snow packed and slippery in this area with patches of black ice.  As winter driving conditions are now upon us, extra precautions should be taken when heading out on area roadways.  Ensure that the road report is checked prior to departure and that you are driving to the weather/road conditions.

There were no injuries as a result of this incident.  The flow of traffic was disrupted for approximately 2 hours, however the collision has since been cleared and traffic is flowing freely in all directions.