Policing in Alberta to May 14, 2014

press releases

• Two men charged in connection with Lethbridge home invasion/stabbing, third suspect sought
• Airdrie RCMP requesting assistance from public to identify robbery suspect
• Motorcyclist dies in single vehicle collision near Tofield
• MVC fatality near Lac la Biche
• Dangerous driving incident in Calgary posted to Youtube, suspects sought
• Alberta Integrated Traffic Services is now on Twitter @QEIITraffic
• Firearms stolen in Rocky Mountain House
• Multiple thefts from vehicles in Morinville
• Charges laid following Alberta Beach pharmacy robbery
• Suspect in Red Deer hit and run sought by RCMP
• Suspected arson in Hanna
• Red Deer RCMP look for owner of unique Austin Cambridge car
• Graffiti vandalism in Banff
• Canada Road Safety Week: May 13 to 19 2014
• CPS Car prowling investigation leads to property recovery, charges for suspects
• Purported child abduction attempt in Calgary deemed a lie
• Calgary Cybercrime Support Team celebrates first year success
• RCMP investigating robbery at Prairie Mall
  

Two men charged in connection with Lethbridge home invasion/stabbing, third suspect sought

Lethbridge Regional Police have charged two men following a weekend home invasion where a 24-year-old man was stabbed.

On May 11, 2014 at approximately 10:34 p.m. police responded to a report that three males had entered a town house along the 800 block of 20 Street North. A 24-year-old male occupant was subsequently stabbed several times and the three male assailants then left the residence. The victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. He remains in hospital in serious, but stable condition.

This was a targeted, drug-related crime.

Following investigation two of the three males were later located and taken into custody. Investigation is ongoing to locate the third male.

Michael Allen George Bodnar, 32 and Dallas Sean Matson, 29, both of Lethbridge, are charged with extortion, unlawfully in a dwelling house, unlawfully cause bodily harm and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

Bodnar was remanded in custody to appear in court today. Matson was released from custody on a recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court May 14.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact police 403-328-4444 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers will pay for information leading to an arrest.

Airdrie RCMP requesting assistance from public to identify robbery suspect

Airdrie RCMP are seeking assistance from the public to identify a suspect in a robbery from the 7-Eleven Convenience Store.

On May 14th at approximately 4:00am, a male entered the 7-Eleven Convenience Store on Luxstone Blvd. and demanded money from the store employee. The male stated he would harm the employee if he did not comply.

After the employee had emptied the register, the male left the 7-Eleven in a waiting vehicle outside with an undisclosed amount of cash. The employee immediately notified RCMP. No one was injured in the incident.

Photos: Airdrie robbery suspect

The suspect is described as:

• Male
• Thin
• Tattoos on both left and right arms
• Wearing a red baggy t-shirt, blue jeans, a white hat and a red bandanna around his neck

The suspect was believed to have left in a silver sedan of unknown make and model.

If you have information, please call the Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7267. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest(s), you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Motorcyclist dies in single vehicle collision near Tofield

On May 13, 2014, at approximately 4:40 pm, Tofield RCMP officers were called to a serious single vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 834 about 7 kilometres south of Tofield. A motorcycle being driven south on the highway went in to the east ditch and the driver, lone occupant was thrown from the bike. A motorist came across the scene and contacted emergency services. Tofield Fire and Rescue, EMS as well as STARS air ambulance attended the scene. The driver, a 50 year old man from the Camrose area was declared deceased at the scene.

RCMP collision analyst attended to investigate the matter.

The name of the deceased will not be released at the family's request.

MVC fatality near Lac la Biche

On May 13, 2014 at approximately 11:30 pm RCMP, Lac La Biche County Fire Service and ambulance were called to a single vehicle collision approximately 10 kilometres south of Lac La Biche.

Upon emergency crews arriving at the scene it was learned that a 26 year old female was travelling northbound and lost control. The vehicle then entered the ditch and rolled multiple times. The vehicle then struck a power pole and caused the power lines to fall to the ground which then initiated a large grass fire.

Bystanders who stopped and risked their own safety cut the female driver's seat belt and moved her to safety away from the fire. The female has since been transported by air ambulance to Edmonton where she is being treated.

Upon emergency crews extinguishing the fire a deceased adult male was located in the grass area. Police at this point have not been able to determine the identity of the male or his age. The male is believed to be a passenger of the vehicle.

Police continue to investigate this collision and have utilized the assistance of an RCMP Collision Re-constructionist with the investigation. Speed is believed to be a factor.

Dangerous driving incident in Calgary posted to Youtube, suspects sought

The Calgary Police Service Traffic Section is investigating a dangerous driving incident captured on video.

A YouTube video posted on Friday, May 9, 2014, shows two vehicles traveling on northbound Crowchild Trail between Flanders Avenue and Bow Trail at approximately 5 p.m., on or around Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2014. The video shows the two vehicles traveling at high speeds while weaving in and out of traffic, posing a danger to themselves and other drivers.

The Calgary Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the circumstances behind the posting of the video, and is seeking public assistance to identify the two vehicles and drivers involved.

Anyone with information that may help identify the individuals involved is asked to call the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section at 403-567-4000 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Alberta Integrated Traffic Services is now on Twitter @QEIITraffic

Presently we are covering the QEII Highway and have posted messages related to traffic incidents and safety tips. On Friday May 16th you can tweet your traffic questions to the top brass of Alberta Integrated Traffic Services. Supt’s Howard Eaton (RCMP) and James Stiles (Traffic Sheriffs). The Superintendents will be available to answer questions from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Twitter @QEIITraffic.

Firearms stolen in Rocky Mountain House

Rocky Mountain House RCMP is seeking information in a break and enter that resulted in the theft of 25-30 firearms. On May 13, 2014 a rural residence was broken into located in Clearwater County, AB. The gun safe in the residence was knocked over and the door was pried open which allowed for the firearms to be removed. A shop on the property was also entered and it is believed tools were removed from the shop and used to breach the safe.

A list of the stolen firearms is included below with serial numbers;
5 Colt Gold Cup Trophy 45 cal – serial #GCT156, GCT15542, GCT15693, GCT15693, GCT16279
2 Heckler and Koch 45 cal – serial #25085838 and 24083869
2 Ruger Vaquero 45 cal – serial # 5874384 and 5874454
1 Ruger RedHawk 44 cal – serial #50339518
1 Kimber Stainless TLE II 45 cal – serial#K157594
1 Beretta 92FS 9mm – serial#BER304167
1 Colt Single Action Army 45 cal – serial# S34539A
1 Sig Sauer P220 45 cal – serial #G343311
3 Smith and Wesson – serial #DBR3690, CJH0296 and BCF4529
1 Springfield Armory 1911A1 90s Edition 45 cal – serial #NM163144
2 Walther P22 22 cal - serial #H007495, H010119
1 Walther P38 9mm – serial #2922K


Anyone with information is asked to call The Rocky Mountain House RCMP at 403-845-2882 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Multiple thefts from vehicles in Morinville

The Morinville RCMP would like to advise its citizens that there have been a number of complaints recently of thefts from Motor Vehicles in Morinville and the surrounding area. In 2013 there were 137 complaints of theft from vehicles reported in the detachment area.

Theft from vehicles is an opportunity based crime and offenders target easy vehicles.

Some simple tips to prevent theft from your vehicle:

• Remove all valuables (backpacks, cell phones, purses, wallets, sunglasses, GPS systems, keys, iPod’, shopping bags, cigarettes, etc) from your vehicle
• If you must keep valuables in your vehicle, store them in your trunk
• Never leave a spare vehicle or house key in your vehicle
• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock your doors
• Protect your insurance and registration documents as well as your garage door opener (Carry them in your wallet or conceal them)
• If your garage door opener is stolen, ensure you change your system code
• Install a car alarm, or use “the club” to lock the steering wheel
• Use locking screws for your license plate.

Morinville RCMP encourages everyone to call police to report any suspicious activities. It is important that you report all crime.

Charges laid following Alberta Beach pharmacy robbery

Just after 1:30 pm on May 13th, a female wearing a scarf wrapped around her head entered an Alberta Beach pharmacy and told the clerk she had a .22 caliber handgun in her purse. She demanded "Oxy", opening her purse and demanding the clerk fill it with the drugs. When the clerk saw there was no gun in the purse, she grabbed it from her. The suspect took several bottles of "Oxy Neo" and ran out, leaving her purse behind.

Police were able to locate the woman based on the personal information in her purse, and subsequently arrested the suspect and executed a search warrant on the residence.

40 year old Julie Kathleen BRENDEL of Darwell has been charged with robbery and disguise with intent. She does not have a previous criminal record.

Ms. BRENDEL was released from custody on a no-cash Recognizance, to appear in Stony Plain Provincial Court on May 28th.

Suspect in Red Deer hit and run sought by RCMP

Red Deer RCMP are looking for the driver of a dark-coloured truck that ran down a pedestrian in the parking lot of Wild Bill’s pub at 5150 50 Avenue in Red Deer, Alberta. The hit and run occurred at approximately 10:20 pm on Monday, May 12, 2014. RCMP responded, along with emergency services personnel, to find a male victim lying injured in the parking lot; the victim reported that the truck did not slow down before striking him. The truck is believed to be an early ‘90s model single cab truck, either dark or black in colour, possibly with two people inside.

The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Calgary Foothills hospital. RCMP are not able to provide updates on his condition at this time.

There was no video surveillance in the parking lot, and no debris that would assist RCMP in identifying the hit and run vehicle. RCMP are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crime to come forward.

Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying the suspect or the suspect vehicle is asked to call Red Deer RCMP at 403.343.5575. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.

Suspected arson in Hanna

The Hanna RCMP is seeking assistance in gathering information on a fire at a local business. On Saturday May the 10th 2014 around 4:30 AM, the Hanna Fire Department and Hanna RCMP responded to a fire located at a local business on 1st Avenue and Centre Street. Evidence indicates that this fire was intentionally started and RCMP are now investigating the matter. It is estimated that the loss is approximately $50 000 and $75 000.

Members are requesting any one with information about this fire to please contact Cst. Jennifer BREWER or any member at the Hanna RCMP Detachment at 403-854-3393 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Red Deer RCMP looking for owner of unique Austin Cambridge car

Red Deer RCMP are looking for the owner of a unique Austin Cambridge vehicle that was towed from the Husky Gas Bar in downtown Red Deer on May 4, 2014. All RCMP efforts to locate the owner have not been successful to date, and RCMP would like to return what is almost certainly a treasured vehicle to its rightful home.

Is this your Austin Cambridge?

The Austin Cambridge is described as:

• Possible model A60
• uilt between 1961 to 1969
• White in colour
• Red interior 
• In good condition

The owner of the vehicle, or anyone with information that may assist the police in connecting this vehicle with its owner, is asked to call Constable Alexander Power of the Red Deer RCMP at 403.406.2300. Anyone wishing to claim this vehicle will be required to provide documentation proving ownership.

Graffiti vandalism in Banff

On May 13th, 2014 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Banff RCMP were informed of Property Damage to Central Park in the Town of Banff. Police attended and found Graffiti painted on various structures in Central Park. Police also located more graffiti on the Banff Avenue Bridge.

It is believed unknown culprits spray painted the structures sometime during the night time hours of May 10th. The graffiti was blue and red paint with a series of letters and designs. There is no evidence at this time to suggest any of the structures were specifically targeted.

Canada Road Safety Week: May 13th to 19th 2014

Canada Road Safety Week has begun!

This is the traditional start of the summer driving season for Canadian drivers which always sees a significant increase in people and families traveling on the road.

Here in Alberta we have had a tough winter (some places continue to have winter driving conditions!) and now that the better weather is upon us, Alberta Integrated Traffic Services want to ensure that all Albertans get to where they want to go, have an enjoyable weekend and return home safely.

With the increase in traffic volumes, you will also notice an increase in enforcement vehicles on our roadways. RCMP Traffic Services members and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs will be working hard this weekend to ensure the safety of all road users and will be targeting unsafe and dangerous driving behaviours in order to reduce collisions and traffic trauma. There are a number of things all drivers can do to help make the week a success – so that no family loses a loved one on the highway.

• Ensure drivers are not impaired by alcohol or drugs. For GDL drivers, there is ZERO tolerance for alcohol and drug consumption. 
• Ensure that everyone is buckled up and children are secure in their car/booster seats.
• Driving requires 100% of the drivers attention, that means no texting and not using your cell phone. 
• Drive at the posted speed limits – Plan ahead, take extra time. With increased volumes, you need to leave earlier and plan to be on the road longer. Enjoy the scenery!

CPS Car prowling investigation leads to property recovery, charges for suspects

The Calgary Police Service is seeking to return a significant amount of property to the rightful owners after arresting three men in connection with several car prowlings.

The suspects were arrested at approximately 2:30 a.m., on Monday, April 28, 2014, by members of District 7. It’s alleged their crimes included dozens of car prowlings in the communities of Sage Hill, Kincora, Nolan Hill and Evanston.

Property, including GPS devices, electronics, fishing equipment, sunglasses and tools, were all recovered and much of it has been returned to the owners. Some of the possessions, however, have not been reported as stolen and, therefore, remain in police care.

Investigators are asking anyone who believes they were the victim of a car prowling in Sage Hill, Kincora, Nolan Hill and Evanston on the evening of Sunday, April 27 and early Monday, April 28, 2014, to contact Const. Ryks or Const. Bryce at 403-567-6700, to collect their property.

It’s important to note, each of the vehicles where property was stolen was unlocked at the time. Police remind Calgarians to always lock their car doors at night and to remove all valuables.

Charged in connection with this case are Tyriel Luc Beckford, 22, Raymond Bennett, 23, and Angelo Bruno Viscusi, 26, of Calgary. Each faces multiple counts of trespassing, theft under and possession of break-in instruments.

Purported child abduction attempt in Calgary deemed a lie

The Calgary Police Service has concluded its investigation into a recent child abduction allegation and has determined the claim was fabricated.

On Sunday, May, 11, 2014, a 10-year-old girl alleged she had been approached by a stranger in front of her northeast home. She claimed the man tried to grab her, but she was able to scream and run away. After follow-up interviews with the alleged victim and neighbours, it has been determined there was no abduction attempt. Officers are working with the youngster’s family to educate her on the perils of making a false claim to police. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of making up stories of fake crimes.

The Calgary Police Service takes reports of attempted child abductions very seriously and multiple resources are deployed to investigate each allegation.

The Service encourages parents to talk to their children about ways to protect themselves. This includes walking in pairs, staying in busy, well-lit areas and if they are suspicious of someone, trust their instincts and flee the area, or scream to draw attention to themselves.

Calgary Cybercrime Support Team celebrates first year success

The Calgary Police Service is celebrating a successful first year for the Cybercrime Support Team. As the first municipal cybercrime police unit in Canada, the Team has had a number of successes over the last year, addressing the ever-evolving areas of internet-based crime.

Established in January 2013, the team provides online investigative support in all areas of the Service, including cyber-bullying, sexting, homicide, missing persons, vulnerable persons, robbery, threats, assault, harassment, stalking and fraud. In 2013, the team assisted in 215 investigations. So far in 2014, they have already been involved in 129 files.

RCMP investigating robbery at Prairie Mall

Yesterday morning, a male approached an 80 year old woman near the main entrance of the Prairie Mall in Grande Prairie and stole her purse. The suspect made off with the purse and the cash that was in it. The suspect male departed through the main entrance and was last seen near the Prairie Haven and Stonebridge Hotel. The female was not physically injured during the robbery.

The suspect is male, believed to be Caucasian, approximately 20 years old. He is described as 'taller' (approximately 6 feet tall) with a skinnier build. The suspect was wearing a grey hoodie with the hood up. The hoodie had "CANADA" in bold white letters on the front. He was also wearing grey shorts with black shoes and a baseball hat (photograph attached).

The RCMP are asking anyone with information regarding this robbery to please call the Grande Prairie Detachment at 780-830-5701 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.