Policing in Alberta to April 13, 2014

• Morinville stabbing suspects arrested
• Warrants issued for Fox Creek home invasion suspects
• Search for missing Edmonton woman continues
• Serious Injury Collision in Fox Creek
• Tractor-trailer overturns on Hwy 16 near Vegreville
• Asleep at the wheel - rollover near Olds
• Trafficking and Impaired charges for Leduc man
• Edmonton man charged with murder
• Calgary woman charged with human trafficking
• Impaired stop leads to multiple charges for Lethbridge man
• Okotoks RCMP find $300,000+ in stolen property
• Fraud charges for Fort McMurray man
• $90,000 bust in Stathcona County and Edmonton
• Mischief to Property in Consort area
• Red Deer RCMP charge two in vehicle light bar thefts
• Conference aims to increase human trafficking awareness 
• Brooks truck fire suspected to be deliberately set
• Woman in RCMP custody experiences medical emergency
• Calgary police investigate gunfire, uncover marijuana
• CPS arrest suspected auto thief

Morinville stabbing suspects arrested

Morinville RCMP is advising that Christian DUPAS and Cory NELSON have both been charged with Aggravated Assault in relation to an incident that occurred April 7, 2014 at approximately 21:00 hrs. Through further investigation it was revealed that DUPAS and NELSON attacked a 22 year old male victim in the lobby of the apartment building where the victim lives, beating him and stabbing him with a knife. The victim still remains in hospital at this time.

DUPAS and NELSON were arrested on their warrants in the early morning hours of April 12th, 2012 at a rural location near Athabasca.

Warrants issued for Fox Creek home invasion suspects

On April 6, 2013 at around 10:30PM, Fox Creek RCMP responded to a complaint of Break, Enter and assault in progress. RCMP officers responded to a Fox Creek residence where numerous victims were located.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Norman John MACASKILL (22yrs) and Michael Shawn IVANY (27yrs) with:

• Robbery with a Firearm, section 344(a.1) of the Criminal Code
• Break, Enter and Commit Assault Causing Bodily harm, Section 348(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
• Two counts of - Assault with a weapon, Section 267 (a) of the Criminal Code
• Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Section 267(b) of the Criminal Code
• Carry a Weapon for the Purpose of Committing an Offence, Section 88 of the Criminal Code
• Use a Firearm in the Commission of an offence, Section 85 (1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Unlawful Confinement, Section 279 (2) of the Criminal Code
• Theft under $5,000, Section 334 of the Criminal Code

Warrants for their arrest have been issued and MACASKILL and IVANY are believed to be Armed and Dangerous. The public are urged to contact their local police immediately and are not to approach either individuals. If you know the whereabouts of either persons you can contact the Fox Creek RCMP at 780-622-3580 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Search for missing Edmonton woman continues

On April 7, 2014, members of the Rocky Mountain House RCMP, assisted by the Calgary General Investigations Section and three police dogs from the Red Deer and Edmonton RCMP Police Dog Services, resumed the search for Anina Hundsdoerfer, a missing 32 year-old female from Edmonton. Despite the terrain and snow accumulation, police were able to cover a significant amount of ground and no evidence was located. However, some areas could not be searched efficiently and the search will resume once conditions in the area have improved and will continue until Hundsdoerfer is located.

Still missing: Anina Hundsdoerfer

Hundsdoerfer was last seen in Edmonton on Saturday, March 22, 2014, and her vehicle was later located on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, on highway 734 near Nordegg, Alberta, where the search took place.

The circumstances leading to Hundsdoerfer's disappearance have not yet been determined. The Edmonton Police Service are continuing their investigation.

Searching near Nordegg

Anyone with information with regards to this investigation is asked to call the Rocky Mountain House RCMP at (403) 845-2881 or the Edmonton Police Service at (780) 423-4567.

Serious Injury Collision in Fox Creek

On April 12, 2014 around 12:07am, members of the Fox Creek RCMP, EMS and Fire Department responded to a complaint of a single vehicle rollover on Kaybob Drive near 8th Street in Fox Creek, Alberta. Once on scene it was determined the single occupant was ejected during the rollover suffering serious life threatening injuries. The occupant was treated at the Fox Creek hospital and was transferred to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton for further treatment. An RCMP Collision Analyst was consulted during the investigation and Alcohol is believed to be a factor. The RCMP are not releasing the name of the driver at this time pending an on-going investigation.

Tractor-trailer overturns on Hwy 16 near Vegreville

During the early morning hours of April 10th, 2014, Vegreville Detachment responded to a collision on Highway #16 west bound, near the Vegreville overpass. A semi truck heading west bound lost control, tipping on its side and losing its load of plywood. The overturned semi completely obstructed the westbound lanes. A second semi lost control while trying to avoid the obstruction ending up in the east bound ditch after crossing the east bound lanes of highway #16. 

 Neither driver was injured during the incident, road conditions were good and weather was clear. Drugs and alcohol were not a factor. The cause of the collision is still under investigation with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement assisting.

Asleep at the wheel - Rollover near Olds

On April 10, 2014 at 1745 hrs Innisfail Traffic Services was dispatched to a single vehicle rollover in the median of the QEII Hwy at the Hwy 27 overpass. Fire/EMS and Olds RCMP were dispatched to assist.

It was determined that a SB 1989 Ford Thunderbird, driven by the 51 year old male owner, had entered the center median via a very small gap between the end of the cable barrier system, and the start of a solid guardrail protecting a large pole that supports an overhead sign. The Thunderbird barely missed this large, unforgiving pole as it bounced between the guardrails and eventually rolled, coming to rest upside down between the NB and SB lanes.

The male driver, a resident of Airdrie, was transported to Olds Hospital by EMS, where he was treated for a small laceration, and released. The male was wearing a seatbelt; alcohol and speed were not factors. The male was charged for driving without due care and attention under the Traffic Safety Act as he admittedly fell asleep at the wheel.

Alberta Highways personnel were called to the collision scene to make temporary repairs to the guardrail after the vehicle had been successfully removed.

Of note, Investigating members on scene observed an alarming number of drivers passing the collision scene taking photos via cell phones. Several license plates were taken down, and the registered owner's can expect distracted driving tickets in the mail.

Trafficking and Impaired charges for Leduc man

On the 7th of April 2014 at approximately 11:30 p.m., The Leduc RCMP received multiple calls of an erratic driver heading south bound on the QE2 highway, just past the City of Leduc. Witnesses stated that the vehicle was swerving in traffic and almost caused a number of collisions. An Alberta Sheriff caught up to the vehicle and observed that the driver was exhibiting signs of intoxication by drug. A Drug Recognition Evaluator was called in to evaluate the driver. A search of the vehicle incident to arrest found a large quantity of drugs including cocaine, MDMA, Amphetamine, and Ketamine, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash that was seized as Proceeds of Crime.

Steve FLYNN-HEBERT of Leduc was charged with:

• 6 counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking,
• 1 count of Dangerous Driving,
• 1 count of Possession of property obtained by crime,
• Driving without Insurance
• Driving Contrary to his License Conditions.

Steve FLYNN-HEBERT is to appear at the Leduc Provincial Court office on the 24th of April, 2014 at 09:30, for first appearance.

Edmonton man charged with murder

Joshua Petrin, 31, of Edmonton was arrested in Regina, Saskatchewan on the strength of a warrant, stemming from several criminal charges including murder. Petrin is charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Bryan Gower, 35, of Lloydminster; and conspiracy to commit the murder of two other individuals.

Randy James Wayne O’HAGAN, age 24, is currently charged with First Degree Murder in the death of Bryan GOWER, age 35, whose body was found on a rural road near Lloydminster, Alberta on September 25, 2012. O’HAGAN has a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 14, 2014. Kyle Darren HALBAUER, age 24, had previously plead guilty to Second Degree Murder of Bryan GOWER on December 2, 2013.

Petrin allegedly has ties to the White Boy Posse street gang and his arrest is a result of a joint investigation between the RCMP, Edmonton Police Service, and the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team.

ALERT is mandated to address organized crime in communities throughout Alberta.

If anyone has any information in regards to this event, they are asked to contact the Lloydminster RCMP at (306) 825-6350 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Calgary woman charged with human trafficking

Following a two-month investigation, the Calgary Police Service Vice Unit has charged a woman in relation to a human trafficking investigation.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, the CPS received a request from the RCMP, on behalf of a family member, to check on the welfare of an 18-year-old woman believed to be in Calgary. Shortly after, officers located the young woman at a local bus station, at which time she alleged she had been held against her will and forced to act as a sex-trade worker since the fall.

It is believed the woman arrived in Calgary in October 2013 for a job and was looking for a female roommate. The victim met a woman who offered her inexpensive rent, which she accepted. After a short time living together, it is alleged the home owner began slipping drugs into the alcoholic beverages the two were consuming together. The homeowner then allegedly took inappropriate photos of the victim without her knowledge and later then used those photos to extort the victim into participating as a sex-trade worker.

During the subsequent investigation, another victim came forward alleging she had been the victim of voyeurism and extortion. Investigators were able to connect both offences to the same individual.

Amanda Kathleen MCGEE, 31, of Calgary, is facing nine charges including:

• trafficking in persons
• administering a noxious substance to aggrieve or annoy
• live on the avails of prostitution
• keeper of a common bawdy house
• sexual assault with a weapon
• forcible confinement
• procure a person to become a prostitute
• extortion
• voyeurism

MCGEE will next appear in court on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.
Impaired stop leads to multiple charges for Lethbridge man

On April 7th, 2014, at approximately 7:00 PM the Leduc Integrated Traffic Unit responded to a complaint by a concerned motorist of a possible impaired driver north bound on the QE2 highway approaching Leduc, AB. The vehicle was located and stopped. The driver was subsequently arrested for Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle. The driver initially provided a false name to officers, but once his true identity was obtained, the driver was found to be unlawfully at large and had several other outstanding warrants.

Buck Kenneth McGINN of Lethbridge Alberta, was charged with:

• Impaired Operation of motor vehicle,
• Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle over 80 mgs %,
• Obstruction of a police officer,
• Drive while disqualified,
• Fail to comply with a Probation Order,
• Fail to comply with a Recognizance,
• Operate uninsured motor vehicle, 
• Transport liquor in an open container. 

McGINN was remanded to appear in Leduc Provincial Court.

Okotoks RCMP find $300,000+ in stolen property

On April 6th, 2014 Okotoks RCMP executed a Search Warrant on a rural property in the Foothills region and recovered
18 stolen vehicles. These included Trucks, Quads, Bobcats, Snowmobiles and various Cargo/vehicle trailers.
Additionally there was a large assortment of tools, tires and ladders recovered on the property.

The majority of the property/vehicles have been identified and police are in the process of locating and notifying the owners.

Property recovered had been stolen from a number of communities including, Oyen, Strathmore, Calgary, Claresholm and Okotoks. The value of the recovered property is estimated at over $300,000.

A suspect has been identified and is being sought by police at this time.

Anyone with information about this or any other crime is encouraged to contact Okotoks RCMP at (403)995-6400 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8447)

Fraud charges for Fort McMurray man

After a thorough investigation, Wood Buffalo RCMP have arrested a 45 year old Fort McMurray man for several counts of fraud and associated offences.

Between January and March of 2014, the man made several false deposits to different financial institutions within the city and then attempted to make withdraws. The total amount of false deposits is in excess of $400,000. The man was able to withdraw some money before being apprehended by police and some of this money has been recovered and seized.

Ali RIZVI, age 45, of Fort McMurray is charged with 5 counts of Uttering a Forged Document, 5 counts of Fraud Over $5000.00, 11 counts of Obtaining by False Pretenses, and 1 count of Obstructing a Peace Officer. Mr. RIZVI will be appearing in court on Monday April 14th,  2014, in Fort McMurray to answer to the charges.

$90,000 (approximate) bust in Stathcona County and Edmonton

The Strathcona County RCMP Property Crimes Unit has arrested two individuals after a three month long investigation into the possession of stolen property in Strathcona County and Edmonton area.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP, assisted by Strathcona County Police Dog Services and the Edmonton Police Service Tactical Team, executed a search warrant on April 8th, 2014 at a residential property located in the east end of Edmonton. Police discovered and seized the following stolen property, illegal drugs and weapons:

• a 2007 Ford F350 truck
• a 2014 Arctic Cat snowmobile
• a 2014 Polaris Assault snowmobile
• a 2013 Karavan Raptor snowmobile sled trailer
• approximately 4.5 oz of methamphetamine
• approximately 250 ml of GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid)
• a loaded .357 Smith and Wesson handgun
• a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun
• numerous swords and knives
• brass knuckles
• 2 compound bows

Approximate value of the recovered stolen vehicles is $80,000.00
Street value of seized drugs is approximately $6500.00

Also located and seized was approximately $2200 in cash, other drug paraphernalia related to drug trafficking, vehicle accessories, tools, personal documents and stolen mail.

Cody Buck SUGG, age 33 (male) and Denise Rae LaROUCHE, age 34 (female), of Edmonton were arrested at the residence without incident and have both been charged with:

• Four counts of Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000
• Four counts of Possession of Stolen Property Under $5000
• Two counts of Tampering with a Vehicle Identification Number 
• Two counts of Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
• Two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Two counts of Possession of a Loaded Firearm
• One count of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
• One count of Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime 
• One count of Possession of Stolen Mail
• One count of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
• One count of Possession of a Controlled Substance 

LaROUCHE is also charged with one count of Possession of a Firearm while Prohibited.

SUGG and LaROUCHE were both taken before a Justice of the Peace and released on $2500 cash bail with numerous conditions. Both are scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on Wednesday April 23rd, 2014. at 09:30 a.m.

Strathcona County RCMP continue their investigation to determine if further charges are warranted in this matter.

Mischief to Property in Consort area

The Consort Royal Canadian Mounted is Police is seeking Public Assistance in locating those responsible for vandalizing the rural signage on Rg Road 7-0 and Twp Rd 36-0.

Between April 9th, 2014 and April 10th, 2014 it was reported that numerous vehicles reportedly were driving at a high rate of speed through the rural area and were doing donuts on the roadway. It was also reported that numerous signs along the road received damaged due to firearm related activities.

If anyone has any information in relation to this offence, please contact the Consort RCMP.

Red Deer RCMP charge two in vehicle light bar thefts

At approximately 1:30 am on March 19, 2014, Red Deer RCMP responded to a report of two males who had been seen stealing a light bar from a truck parked in the iHotel parking lot at 6500 67 Street in Red Deer, Alberta. When RCMP attended the scene, the suspects were no longer there, but a comprehensive description of the suspect vehicle and witness observation led RCMP to the south end of Red Deer, where they located the vehicle going through the McDonald’s drive-through.

As the vehicle exited the drive-through, RCMP intercepted it. The occupants were arrested and, subsequent to the arrest, police found stolen light bars in the vehicle.

18 year old Kalyn Steven Taberner of Red Deer has been charged with:

• Criminal Code 355 – Possession of stolen property under $5,000

He will appear in court on May 13, 2014 at 9:30 am in Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer.

A second male, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with:

• Criminal Code 355 – Possession of stolen property under $5,000

He will appear in court on May 15, 2014 at 9:30 am in Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer.

Conference aims to increase human trafficking awareness

Law enforcement members, crown prosecutors, government officials, and service providers are meeting in Banff next week to discuss human trafficking. The conference aims to better inform and equip individuals who respond to, investigate, or prosecute human trafficking cases.

The conference, which runs April 15-17, is hosted in partnership between the RCMP, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), and the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT Alberta). The conference features global authorities on human trafficking and will explore such issues as prosecutions, investigations, and victim assistance. The conference will also feature keynote speaker Kathryn Bolkovac, known for blowing the whistle against the United Nations involvement in sex trafficking in post-war Bosnia.

“Human trafficking exploits some of our most vulnerable people,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. “This conference gives law enforcement and legal professionals an opportunity to discuss how to work together to prevent and stop this horrible crime.”

Human trafficking has been assessed as the second most profitable criminal business globally, behind only drugs. However, human trafficking is largely underreported due to the reluctance of victims to come forward and the clandestine nature of the business. ACT Alberta reported a 500% increase in identified human trafficking victims between 2011 and 2012 and the numbers continue to grow.

“Victims of human trafficking require complex services, anything from immigration and legal support to long term counseling and employment training. But in order to first reach victims, we need law enforcement, criminal justice professionals and service providers to receive training like this. This conference will help us continue our collaborative work to identify and respond to human trafficking in Alberta” says Andrea Burkhart, Executive Director with ACT Alberta.

The human trafficking conference aims to dispel several of the many preconceptions surrounding the issue, as it affects men and women, young and old, Canadians and foreign nationals, and many, if not all ethnicities and cultural groups. Victims of trafficking are forced into the commercial sex industry, factory sweat shops, food services sector, construction industry, agricultural work, domestic servitude, and gang activities.

“Human trafficking affects every region in the world and Alberta is no exception,” said ALERT Chief Executive Officer Insp. Charmaine Bulger. “Collectively, we need to be more proactive in reporting and disrupting criminal networks that exploit men, women, and children and trap them in situations of forced labour and/or sexual exploitation.”

Human trafficking involves recruitment, transportation, or harbouring a person though abduction, force, threats, coercion, and/or fraud for the purposes of exploitation.

Brooks truck fire suspected to be deliberately set

Brooks RCMP are currently investigating a suspected mischief which occurred on April 12th, 2014 at approximately 12:00 AM in the back alley of Ingram Park Drive. During this time, a parked truck caught fire and engulfed in flames. As the truck was reported to have been locked the night before, but the driver side door was found ajar by Brooks Fire, it is suspected that the truck was deliberately set on fire.

Brooks RCMP are requesting the assistance of the public with any information relating to this mischief. Please contact Brooks RCMP Detachment at (403) 794-4400, Brooks & District Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477), or visit the at www.brookscrimestoppers.com.

Woman in RCMP custody experiences medical emergency

During the evening of April 11th, 2014, a 42 year old female was arrested as a result of a public disturbance complaint and taken in to custody at Maskwacis Detachment. EMS examined the female and found her fit to remain in custody. During a routine in custody check during the night, the female was found to be unresponsive. CPR was conducted by RCMP members and continued by EMS upon their arrival. The female was successfully revived by EMS and transported to hospital where she remains.

CPS investigates gunfire, uncover marijuana

On Friday, April 11, 2014, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Calgary police received multiple reports of gunshots in the 100 block of Rundleridge Way N.E. An unoccupied house in the area had been hit by a stray bullet. It is believed this incident may have resulted from an altercation between the occupants of two vehicles.

At approximately 8:30 p.m., a resident of a housing complex in the 300 block of Taravista Dr. N.E., called to report that one or more bullets had entered his apartment. Upon further investigation, it was determined that two unoccupied units had also been hit, one of which contained a quantity of marijuana. Investigators are working to determine what the intended target was.

At approximately 12:55 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2014, police were called to a residence in the 200 block of Rundleside Cr. N.E., for a report of at least one shot fired into a home. No one was injured in any of these incidents.

It is believed this violence resulted from conflict between people who are known to one another.

No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation continues, as officers continue to interview witnesses, follow up leads and indentify suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477.
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

CPS arrest suspected auto thief

The Calgary Police Service has charged a man in relation to numerous auto and license plate thefts.

While on patrol in October 2013, the Auto Theft Unit identified a stolen Nissan 300Z in an alley and requested forensic testing be done. Fingerprints left in the vehicle identified a person who may have more information about how the vehicle ended up in the alley.

On Thursday, April 3, 2014, the man identified by forensics in the stolen Nissan was observed driving a Chrysler 300 that had been reported stolen from an airport car rental company. Officers from the Auto Theft Unit were able to track the vehicle to a northeast Calgary residence.

John Constantine PICHE, 41, of Calgary, has been charged with:

• two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000
• four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000
• three counts of operating a vehicle with no valid insurance
• possession of crystal meth

PICHE will next appear in court on Tuesday, April 15, 2014.