Policing in Alberta to June 3, 2014

Pincher Creek RCMP complaints May 26 - June 3

Fatal fire in Swalwell

Fatal rollover in Edmonton

Two separate shootings in Edmonton last night

Male shot in Pine Lake area

Dogs poisoned in Lethbridge

Break and Enter to residences in Fort Macleod

Break and Enter leads to arrest of Redcliff youth

Officer injured during vehicle stop released from hospital

Child attacked by dog in Calgary

Fire reveals Innisfail area grow op

Vandalism at Bower Ponds

Pincher Creek RCMP complaint summary May 26 to June 3, 2014

Assaults - 11
Utter Threats - 1
Mischief - 1
Drugs - 1
Disturbing the Peace - 5
Liquor Offences - 5
Suspicious occurrences (general) - 5
Assistance to General Public (general) - 2
Assistance to other agencies - 3
Animal Calls - 1
Municipal Bylaws - 1
Prisoners held - 7

Fatal fire in Swalwell

Beiseker RCMP, Carbon Fire Department, Linden Fire Department and Kneehill County Municipal Enforcement responded to a structure fire in Swalwell, Alberta on the morning of June 2, 2014. After the fire was extinguished, human remains were located inside. At this point no identification of the remains has been made, and cause of the fire is as yet unknown.

Fatal  rollover in Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service Traffic Section is investigating a fatal single vehicle collision that took place on Fort Road.

At approximately 9:30 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2014, a Pontiac Sunfire was travelling at a high rate of speed southbound on Fort Road at approximately 17 Street. The car lost control, drove off the road, and rolled several times before coming to a rest in the ditch. Emergency services responded, and the 40-year-old male driver of the car was declared deceased on scene. A 53-year-old female passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and was treated and transported to hospital by EMS.

The EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit continues to investigate, however, speed and alcohol are believed to be factors at this time.

This is Edmonton’s 11th traffic fatality for 2014. There were 13 traffic fatalities at this time in 2013.

Two separate shootings in north Edmonton last night

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating two separate shootings from late Monday night that sent two men to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 10:04 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2014, police responded to a weapons complaint at a residence in the area of 113 A Street and 136 Avenue. It was reported that several males allegedly forced their way into the home, searched the residence, and threatened the adult couple that lived there. In the process, the 44-year-old female resident suffered minor injuries, and the 48-year-old male resident was shot and suffered a life-threatening injury. The adult males fled out the backdoor and were last seen westbound in the alley. EMS treated and transported the couple to hospital. It is not known if any property was taken.

While EPS and EMS units were on-scene, a SUV pulled up in front of the home on 113 A Street requesting emergency assistance. A 22-year-old male passenger was suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The male was treated and transported by EMS to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Investigations by police led them to the area of 94 Street and 132 Avenue where additional evidence was located on the roadway. The SUV containing the victim was believed to have travelled along 132 Avenue from 82 Street to 113 A Street.

The Northeast Division Criminal Investigation Section will continue to investigate the alleged home invasion, and the EPS Homicide Section has assumed the lead role in investigating the vehicle shooting due to the condition of the victim. The EPS Downtown Division and the EPS Gang Unit will also be assisting with the files. At present, the two incidents do not appear to be random, and do not appear connected. There are no suspects or vehicle descriptions, and no arrests or charges at this time.

Anyone with information regarding the shootings or the suspects is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #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

Male shot in Pine Lake area

On June 2, 2014 at approximately 4:15 am Innisfail RCMP officers responded to a report of a male shot in the rural Pine Lake area. He was transported to hospital by EMS and is expected to live. The person responsible and the victim are believed to be known to each other.

Innisfail Detachment members are currently assisted in the investigation by the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Service, and the RCMP General Investigative Section. As it is early in the investigation, few details are available at this time, however its believed there is no danger or concern to the public at this time.

Dogs poisoned in Lethbridge

Lethbridge Regional Police are investigating a case of animal cruelty after two small dogs died of strychnine poisoning.

On June 2, 2014 police responded to a report from a local vet clinic that two Miniature Schnauzers had died as a result of ingesting strychnine. Investigation has determined that on May 25, 2014 the owner of the dogs took them for a walk at approximately 3:10 p.m. from 13 Avenue to 17 Avenue North, between St. Andrews Road and St. Basil Road. After returning to their home along the 1200 block of 13 Avenue North the dogs became ill and began convulsing. The owner immediately rushed them to the vet, but both were pronounced dead on arrival. Necropsies and toxicology testing were subsequently conducted and confirmed both dogs died of strychnine poisoning.

Police previously received a report on May 30 that two large dogs living along the 700 block of 12 Street North had become ill in a suspected case of poisoning. In that case an investigation was conducted but there was no definitive evidence to conclude the animals had been poisoned. Police have since followed up with the owner and both dogs are getting better.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police are advising all members of the public, particularly those who live in the above northside neighbourhoods and surrounding area, to be extra vigilant if they have small children or pets. “This is extremely concerning to us,” said Kristen Harding, Executive Officer, LRPS. “Notwithstanding the devastating loss for the owner of these two beloved dogs, if someone is deliberately putting out poisoned food there is the potential that a child could come into contact with it and be harmed.”

Parents are urged to watch their small children to make sure they don’t pick up any strange items or place them in their mouth. Similarly when walking dogs, keep them on a leash at all times and monitor their activities. In the backyard, watch out for any strange items that dogs or cats could ingest.

If anyone has any information on these incidents, or have experienced a similar incident of a pet becoming ill and poison is suspected, please contact police at 403-328-4444.

Break and Enter to residences in Fort Macleod

In the months of April and May, 2014 the Fort Macleod RCMP received complaints of houses and garages being broken into. The residences were located within several blocks of 18th to 20th Street in Fort Macleod. The Fort Macleod RCMP would like to remind you to always keep your garage and residences secured and locked at all times.

The RCMP is investigating these incidents as break and enters and is seeking public assistance in identifying any suspects. Anyone that may have witnessed this incident or who has any information to provide are asked to contact the Fort Macleod RCMP at 403-553-7200 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Break and Enter leads to arrest of Redcliff youth

In the early hours of Sunday June 1s 2014, Members of the Redcliff RCMP were dispatched to two separate reports of break and enters into neighboring residences in the 800 block of 2nd St SE, Redcliff.

In one of the residences, a 70 year old woman was confronted in her kitchen by a 17 year old male wearing all black. The male youth had gained entry into the residence by breaking through the basement window. The male youth fled the scene on foot shortly after, leaving the female homeowner unharmed. RCMP Members interviewed the female victim and she was subsequently able to positively identify the male youth from a photo lineup. The male youth was arrested shortly after without incident and was remanded by a Justice of the Peace.

The male youth is charged with a total of six criminal code charges; two counts of break and enter to a residence, one count of mischief, and three counts of possession of a weapon obtained by crime. On Monday June 2, he was released from custody on strict conditions awaiting his next court date of July 7th, 2014 at Medicine Hat Provincial Courthouse. His identity is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The Town of Redcliff has experienced a rash of similar style break and enters in recent months.

Officer injured during vehicle stop released from hospital

Strathcona County RCMP are advising a judicial interim release hearing (bail hearing) was held for Christopher FERGUSON, the male suspect involved in an incident Friday that injured a Strathcona County RCMP officer. The hearing was held with the Edmonton Hearing Office on the evening of Saturday May 31, 2014. FERGUSON did not wish to speak to bail and was remanded into custody to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on Wednesday June 4, 2014 at 09:30 a.m.

The injured RCMP officer underwent surgery on the weekend and has been released from hospital to recover at home.

Child attacked by dog in Calgary

Animal and Bylaw Services (ABS) has laid charges against a dog owner following a serious incident involving a child on Friday, May 30, 2014.

Just after 7 p.m., bylaw officers were called to the community of Temple on a report that a nine-year-old had been bitten by a neighbour’s dog. The child was transported to hospital by ambulance and underwent surgery. “We are still investigating to determine exactly what happened,” said Doug Anderson, Operations Coordinator at ABS. “This dog has no record of previous aggression.” What is known right now is the dog, an Australian Cattle dog, was tethered to a tree in the owner’s yard when the incident occurred. The victim was in the yard with the dog owner’s children. “It is not clear how close the dog owner was or if he viewed the attack,” says Anderson.

The dog has been taken into custody where it will undergo a behavioural assessment, following an 11-day quarantine. The dog’s owner is now facing charges of Attack Causing Severe Injury and Unlicensed Dog.

A mandatory court appearance is required in all serious aggressive dog incidents and consequences will be determined by a judge. These consequences may include fines up to $10,000. “In Calgary, all dogs that show aggressive behaviour will be investigated and pet owners will be held responsible under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw,” said Anderson.

Fire reveals Innisfail area grow op

On the afternoon of June 1, 2014 the Red Deer County Fire Department responded to a structural fire on Range Road 272 in Red Deer County East of Innisfail, Alberta. Upon arrival fire officials discovered a marihuana grow operation. Innisfail RCMP responded and entered into an investigation, obtaining and executing a search warrant with the assistance of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team - Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - Green Team South. Marihuana, marihuana oil and marihuana plants with a revenue potential of over a million dollars was seized, along with marihuana grow operation equipment including industrial diesel generators. Three firearms including an assault rifle, a loaded firearm and ammunition were also seized. The investigation is ongoing.

Vandalism at Bower Ponds

On May 22, 2014 at approximately 12:30 pm, Red Deer RCMP received a report of vandalism to signage at Bower Ponds. The sign, located near the Bower Ponds Pavilion, was approximately 6’ 6” high, made of concrete, and contained information and trail maps of the Bower Ponds area. City of Red Deer Parks staff believe the damage may have been caused by a vehicle, as the sign was struck with enough force to be severed at its base. Damage is estimated at around $10,000. RCMP suspect the vandalism occurred on the evening of May 21 or in the early morning hours of May 22.