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Friday, May 30, 2014

Policing in Alberta to May 30, 2014



Suspect flees after injuring RCMP officer at vehicle stop

Fatality collision on Highway 16 near Kitscoty
Strathcona County man accused of Child Exploitation offences 
Handguns recovered from Edmonton amphetamine dealer 
Modernized Turner Valley courthouse re-opens
Suspicious Westcove fire
Glendon woman charged with first degree murder*
Thefts in Halkirk
Thefts in Lloydminster
Hit and run to pedestrian in Morinville
RCMP arrest playground zone speeder in stolen vehicle
Lance Francis arrested for second degree murder
Drugs seized during Canmore traffic stops
Collicutt Centre incident investigated
Break and enter in Morinville
Innisfail break and enter thwarted
Over 30 charges for Hinton resident
High number of nighttime break-ins in south Calgary

Suspect flees after injuring RCMP officer at vehicle stop

Strathcona County RCMP are requesting the public's assistance in locating a suspect vehicle involved in a vehicle stop where a RCMP officer was injured.

Today May 30, 2014 at approximately 1:15 pm a Strathcona County RCMP Traffic Services officer was conducting speed enforcement on Wye road just west of Hwy 21 when he located a motorist exceeding the posted speed limit. The RCMP officer conducted a vehicle stop and the suspect vehicle pulled into Sherwood Hills Estates sub-division and stopped. While the RCMP officer was at the driver's window dealing with the male driver, the vehicle sped off at a high rate of speed dragging the RCMP officer approximately 100 meters.

The suspect vehicle continued to evade police by driving through the sub-division and eventually smashed through a fence to proceed southbound on Hwy 21. The suspect vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on Township Road 522 at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The suspect vehicle is described as a black 2011 Ford F150 truck, Alberta licence plate # BJD 2680, covered in dirt with front end damage, a broken driver's mirror and grass stuck up underneath the bottom of the vehicle.

The suspect driver is described as a Caucasian male, 20-25 years old with short hair, a tattoo on the left side of his neck and was wearing a ball cap and sunglasses. There was also a young child in the vehicle.

The male officer, a 7 year veteran of the RCMP, sustained non life threatening injuries and was transported to an Edmonton hospital.

Several specialized units including the RCMP Police Dog Service, the RCMP Air Services helicopter, and Strathcona County Enforcement Services are assisting Strathcona County RCMP in the investigation which is still on going.

Strathcona County RCMP ask that if you see this suspect vehicle to immediately call 911 and not approach it.

Fatality collision on Highway 16 near Kitscoty

Shortly before 6:00 pm on May 29, 2014, RCMP officers of the Kitscoty detachment were dispatched to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 16 and Range Road 22 near Kitscoty, Alberta. It was determined that a vehicle travelling southbound on Range Road 22 crossed Highway 16 and collided with an eastbound vehicle travelling on Highway 16.

As a result of the collision, a male in his 50's, the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle travelling east on Highway 16, was ejected from his vehicle and fatally injured.

An RCMP collision analyst attended the scene and the investigation is continuing. The identity of the parties involved will not be shared at this time.

Road conditions were good and drugs/alcohol was not an apparent factor. The highway was shutdown and has since been re-opened.

Strathcona County man accused of Child Exploitation offences

Sean Palylk, a 39-year-old Strathcona County man, has been arrested by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) after he allegedly lured and sexually assaulted an Edmonton girl.

On May 28th, Palylk was arrested and a search warrant was executed at his home by ALERT’s internet child exploitation team with the assistance of Strathcona County RCMP members. He is being charged with sexual assault (x 2), sexual interference (x 2), luring a child (x 2), and possession of child pornography.

ICE Detectives allege that Palylk met and lured a 13-year-old Edmonton girl after meeting on a social media website. Sexually explicit messages were exchanged over a period of two years before the two began meeting. The investigation was initiated during the examination of evidence on an unrelated investigation. In addition to that, the National Child Coordination Centre in Ottawa forwarded ALERT information about child pornography being uploaded to the internet.

A number of electronic devices were seized from the accused and forensic examination has commenced. The investigation remains on-going and additional victims may be identified.

Anyone who may have additional information on this or any other child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact their local police, Crime Stoppers of Cypertip.ca. Reports of child exploitation offences are handled with the highest degree of sensitivity and privacy, and your identity will be protected.
Two handguns recovered from Edmonton amphetamine dealer

Two handguns, along with more than $100,000 in drugs and proceeds of crime, were recovered from an Edmonton amphetamine dealer by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).

The ALERT Edmonton team, comprised of members of Edmonton Police Service and RCMP, executed search warrants at two northwest Edmonton homes on May 27. ALERT recovered $72,570 worth of drugs, including 1,110 grams of amphetamines, 318 grams of marihuana, and 20 grams of cocaine. Two handguns were recovered, including a reported stolen Colt Python .357 caliber revolver popularized as the weapon of choice by “The Walking Dead’s” Rick Grimes, and a semi-automatic .25 caliber Colt Junior “pocket pistol” with the serial number removed. ALERT also seized $4,450 cash proceeds of crime and a 2013 Nissan Murano, with an estimated value of $30,000. Both the cash and vehicle will be the subject of civil forfeiture applications, which is provincial legislation that helps support victims of crime.

The three-month investigation targeted a 40-year-old Edmonton man who was believed to be trafficking amphetamines within the city. James Banh, 40, was arrested and is facing 15 drug and weapons related charges.

Modernized Turner Valley courthouse re-opens

The modernization of the former courthouse in Turner Valley makes justice services more accessible to residents of southern Alberta.

The re-opening of the old courthouse that had been closed for several years means reduced travel time, expenses and strain on residents who previously had to travel elsewhere for justice services. Opening this location also helps reduce pressures on courthouses in the surrounding area, including Okotoks.

“Courthouses are often the first point of contact between Albertans and the justice system. The Turner Valley courthouse will give residents improved access to justice services, and I am proud the province, the local municipality and the Provincial Court have worked together towards this goal.” - Jonathan Denis, Minister of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General
“It is great to see the expansion of justice services offered to Albertans, and I am very pleased that the Provincial Court was able to play a key role in bringing this much needed courthouse to Turner Valley. The Provincial Court looks forward to working with the people of this community.” - Provincial Court Chief Judge Terrence Matchett

Government saved money by renovating an existing building that served as a courthouse until it was closed in 1996. More recently, the building housed Turner Valley’s town hall.

“Modernizing the former courthouse provides the residents of Turner Valley and area with a needed public facility in a way that is financially responsible. This is a wonderful example of our Building Alberta Plan in action.” - Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Infrastructure

The Turner Valley Courthouse officially began operations on May 6. It sits two days per week, with Tuesdays being dedicated to criminal docket court and Wednesdays alternating between provincial statutes dockets and trials and criminal trials.

The courthouse includes a court case management counter and videoconferencing capabilities, which are both aimed at managing the caseload at this location.

Suspicious Westcove fire

On May 17th, 2014 police were called to a structure fire in the Summer Village of Westcove in Lac St. Anne County. Investigation revealed that a seasonal cabin was broken into and a fire was intentionally set causing significant damage to the residence. No one was in the cabin at the time and the fire was extinguished without incident by the local fire department. A 2006 70CC Honda dirt bike was also stolen from the cabin.

The person or persons responsible have not yet been identified and the arson is still under investigation.

Glendon woman charged with first degree murder
*corrected from an earlier release

Police have charged Deborah DOONANCO, 51-year-old woman of Glendon Alberta, with First Degree Murder in relation to the death of her common law husband Kevin Feland, 44-years-old. Feland's body was discovered on May 25, 2014, by members of the Glendon Fire Department after responding to a residential fire in the Glendon area.

As a result of the death, RCMP Major Crimes and the Provincial Fire Investigator are engaged in this investigation. Evidence gathered thus far resulted in the charges.

DOONANCO who is scheduled to appear in Bonnyville Provincial Court Tuesday June 3rd, 2014.

Thefts in Halkirk

Coronation RCMP are investigating a series of break and enters and thefts in the Halkirk, AB area. Three locations were entered along the 855 Highway, and a quantity of tools, generators, and dyed diesel were stolen. The police are seeking information from the public to develop leads in this case.

Thefts in Lloydminster

The Lloydminster Municipal RCMP is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the individual(s) responsible for the theft from Rocksolid Industries, whereby a 2007 Ford F350 truck was stolen, along with a Precision Dump trailer and a John DEERE 320 D Bob Cat. Video surveillance shows SOC vehicle having Alberta Plate BGY 1361 on a 2002 White Ford SRW Truck. There was an unknown male passenger that exited the SOC vehicle and was seen driving off with the stolen property. The SOC vehicle was reported stolen out of Morinville Detachment in 2013.

Hit and run to pedestrian in Morinville

The Morinville RCMP are looking for a female pedestrian who was struck by a truck while riding her bike on 100 Avenue at Grandin Drive. The collision occurred on May 20th, 2014 around 4:30 p.m. There were two independant eye witnesses who observed the female in the crosswalk when she was knocked off her bike after being hit by the truck. The pedestrian is described as a caucasian female 10-12 years of age, blonde, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morinville RCMP.

Red Deer RCMP arrest playground zone speeder in stolen vehicle

On May 13, 2014 at approximately 1:30 pm, Red Deer RCMP were conducting photo radar at a playground zone on Orr Drive in Red Deer, Alberta when officers observed a white Ford truck driving through the playground zone at excessive speed. The driver ignored police orders to stop the vehicle and instead increased speed and passed other vehicles in a dangerous manner in an attempt to flee. Police soon located the vehicle abandoned nearby and verified that it had been stolen earlier the same day.

RCMP located and arrested the driver of the vehicle a short time later as the suspect attempted to leave the area on foot. No one was injured during this incident.

20 year old Bradey Joseph Leveque of Sylvan Lake has been charged with:
  • Criminal Code 249(1)(a) – Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
  • Criminal Code 355(A) – Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
Leveque will appear in court on June 24, 2014 at 8:30 am at Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer.

Red Deer RCMP would like to thank the public for their invaluable assistance in identifying the truck’s direction of travel and final location. Many crimes in Red Deer are solved through the input of concerned citizens and RCMP recognizes the valuable part the community plays in keeping Red Deer safe.

Lance Francis arrested for second degree murder

On May 22, 2014, Lance Waylon FRANCIS was taken into custody for second degree murder at the High Prairie RCMP detachment without incident.

He was remanded into custody and appeared in the High Prairie Court Provincial May 26, 2014. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 9, 2014 in High Prairie.

Drugs seized during Canmore traffic stops

On May 26th, 2014, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Canmore RCMP stopped a commercial van for speeding on the Trans-Canada Highway, near the Town of Canmore. Police observed illicit drug use in the vehicle, and arrested the driver without incident.

Police searched the vehicle, and located and seized approximately 70 pounds of Cannabis Marihuana. One male from British Columbia was arrested and faces charges under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

On May 28th, 2014 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Canmore RCMP stopped an older model sedan for traffic violations near Spring Creek Gate in the Town of Canmore. Police found that the driver of the vehicle was wanted on outstanding warrants for his arrest. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle in which approximately 11 pounds of Cannabis Marihuana and 500 tablets of Oxycodone were located .The illicit drugs were seized and the vehicle driver and passenger were arrested without incident.

Two males from British Columbia were arrested and face charges under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

Collicutt Centre incident investigated

Red Deer RCMP launched an investigation after a threatening message was made on a wall within the Collicutt Centre in the evening of May 28, 2014. There wass no imminent danger to the public and there are no injuries or casualties related to the incident.

The RCMP completed their precautionary search of the Collicutt Centre, with the assistance of a police dog, and did not find anything suspicious. The investigation of the source of the message on the wall is actively ongoing. The RCMP will maintain an ongoing presence with RCMP members in the facility as part of the ongoing investigation.

Break and enter in Morinville

On May 28th, 2014, Morinville RCMP responded to a break and enter where one male forced himself inside a residence in Morinville.   The suspect then let a second male into the residence and began to search for specific valuables.  The victim was told by the suspects to not call the police.  The victim suffered minor injuries.  At this time it is believed that the victim’s home was targeted and this was not a random crime.

The victim described the suspects as follows.

First suspect:
  • Possible name of   “Max”
  • Male in his 20’s
  • Red hair
  • Blue eyes
  • 5’5” – 5’6”
  • Fox shoes (yellow and black)
Second suspect:
  • Male
  • 6’0”+
  • White shoes
  • Dark skin
Anyone that may have information about this break and enter is asked to contact the Morinville RCMP at (780) 939-4550 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Innisfail break and enter thwarted

On the evening of May 28, 2014, RCMP Innisfail responded to a break and enter in progress on 59 Street in Innisfail, Alberta. Two persons, a 21 year old male and a 25 year old female, were detained at the scene and later arrested. A search of a nearby vehicle led to the seizure of quantities of methamphetamine (crystal meth), heroin, cannabis resin (hash), prescription drugs and weapons. Street level value of the drugs is worth over $17,000.00. The investigation is ongoing.

Over 30 charges for Hinton resident

On May 25th, 2014 Hinton RCMP located and arrested 26 year old Hinton resident, Nicholas Dewitt, who has been the subject of several recent local investigations. At the time of his arrest Dewitt was found to be in possession of a loaded sawed off shotgun.

Evidence gathered during these investigations has resulted in police laying over 30 charges against Dewitt including possession of prohibited weapons, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, attempting to disarm a police officer and breaches of court order among others. Dewitt has been remanded in custody to appear in Hinton Provincial Court at a later date.

High number of nighttime break-ins in south Calgary

The Calgary Police Service continues to urge Calgarians to take steps to protect their home and vehicles, after a nighttime break-in and car theft occurred last night in south Calgary, while the residents were asleep in the house.

At approximately 3:35 a.m., this morning, Friday, May 30, 2014, a culprit entered a home in the 12200 block of Canfield Road SW. The suspect entered the home and took several keys, before stealing a black SUV and fleeing the area. The family was awoken by a dog barking and the sound of a vehicle outside. The vehicle has since been recovered by police.

This is a growing concern.The Calgary Police Service District 8 office is investigating approximately 102 house and garage break-ins that have occurred in south Calgary since March 1, 2014, 65 of which happened at night. Of the 102 cases, 49 (48 per cent) involved the suspects entering the home through an unlocked home or garage door, or entering an unlocked vehicle, then using the garage door opener to enter the garage and then possibly the home.

In this morning’s incident, it is believed a house key was found in an unlocked van on the property, and used to enter the home. The Service is concerned whenever a home is broken into, particularly when it is occupied at night. District 8 officers are investigating incidents throughout the south Calgary area, but have seen particularly high numbers in the communities of Canyon Meadows, Queensland, Evergreen, McKenzie Towne, New Brighton, Cranston and Chaparral.

It is important to note that these incidents can happen anywhere in the city, and all Calgarians are urged to take steps to protect themselves.

Ensure all vehicles are locked, with the windows up.

Hide or preferably remove all valuables, keys, garage door openers and other property from unattended vehicles.

Ensure all home and garage doors, patio doors and windows are secured even when you are home, day or night. This includes second-storey windows.

Develop a routine to make sure the garage doors have been closed and secured after a day of gardening or bike riding. Don’t drive away from your home until you’ve seen the garage door close completely. Check all vehicles, doors and windows before turning in for the night.

Consider installing home and vehicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-theft devices.

Let your neighbours know if they’ve left doors open or vehicles unlocked.

Report any suspicious activity to the Calgary Police Service (403) 266-1234. If you believe a crime is in progress, please call 911.

Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to call Sgt. Garth Kowalyk of District 8 at 403-428-6800 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: tttTIPS.com
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

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