Policing in Alberta to July 1, 2014

press releases

Fatal MVC in Red Deer

Hit and run involving young cyclist in Red Deer

Random machete attacks in Calgary

Man injured in Calgary assault

Multi-vehicle collision in hwy maintenance zone near Bowden

Serious injury single MVC in Edmonton

Serious injury collision in Edmonton

Driver travelling 141km/hr blows over twice legal limit

Vandals damage construction equipment in Airdrie

Luring incident in Fort Saskatchewan

Sinkhole closes Hwy 754

Arrest of prolific offender in Blackfalds

Man charged in Sunday morning altercation in Edmonton

Strathmore hit and run suspect turns himself in

Speeding on Deerfoot

Fatal MVC in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP responded to a single motor vehicle collision on the evening of Sunday, June 29 near Johnstone Drive and Orr Drive.

It was reported that a silver Porsche was being driven erratically at a high rate of speed. The vehicle traveled eastbound from Highway 11 onto 67 Street. The driver went through two red lights just prior to losing control of the vehicle. While continuing at the high rate of speed the vehicle crossed the median and collided with a tree causing it to then roll and burst into flames.

A woman driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and died as a result of the collision.

The identity of the woman is being confirmed and appropriate notifications are being completed. The identity of the woman will not be released to public.

Hit and run involving young cyclist in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating and identifying a driver involved in a hit and run with a cyclist. On June 26th at approximately 4:40 pm, RCMP were called to the Express 24 on Greenham Drive.

The suspect vehicle backed into a young boy causing him to fall off his bike. The vehicle then left the parking lot heading north on Northey Avenue at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle is described as a light brown vehicle, possibly a Ford product with the driver and passenger both being described as young females.

The young boy received minor injuries to his knee and did not require medical attention.

Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying the two females involved in this incident 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

Random machete attacks in Calgary

The Calgary Police Service is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect in two assaults involving a knife or machete.

On Thursday, May 29, 2014, at approximately 11:15 p.m., two teen males were walking in the area of 48 Street and 17 Avenue S.E, when they were approached by a man walking eastbound on 17 Avenue.

The man began yelling at the two youths. He then produced a long knife or machete from his jacket and hit one of the teens on his hand, before fleeing south on 48 Street SE.

Witnesses came to the aid of the 15-year-old victim, and he was transported by EMS to hospital, where he underwent surgery to repair his hand.

Calgary assault suspect

The suspect is described as Aboriginal, 20 to 25 years old, approximately 5’ 8” tall, with a slim build, short black hair and a moustache. He was wearing a grey, zip-up hoodie, a black shirt and baggy jeans.

Approximately 10 minutes later, at 11:25 p.m., two men and a woman were walking in the 1300 block of 44 St. S.E. when a man began shouting at them. He ran towards them, and swung what appeared to be a machete at one of the men, severely injuring one of his hands.

The 21-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.

The suspect was described as being of Aboriginal or Middle Eastern descent, in his mid-20s, wearing a dark hoodie and black baggy pants.

It is believed these two cases are related. In each incident, the culprit was not known to the victim.

A motive is not known at this time.

Anyone with information on these incidents, including the identity of the suspect 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: calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
Case 14196751 and 14196766

Man injured in Calgary assault

The Calgary Police Service is seeking public assistance for information connected to an assault.

At approximately 3:30 am June 30 police were called to a south Calgary health centre for a report of a man who had been brought in suffering from several serious wounds to his stomach, legs and arms.

Information about the incident is limited, however, investigators believe the man was injured at a home in the 700 block of Riverbend Drive S.E., and was then brought to the hospital by his associates. The incident is not considered random.

The victim has undergone surgery and is heavily sedated. He has not yet been interviewed by investigators.

One man was taken into custody shortly after, however, his role in the incident has yet to be determined.

Multi-vehicle collision in hwy maintenance zone near Bowden

On June 30, 2014 at 1130 hrs, Innisfail Integrated Traffic Services, along with Bowden Fire / Rescue and EMS responded to a multi-vehicle collision on the QEII Hwy, in the NB lanes, approximately half way between the County Line and Bowden.

Alberta Highways were conducting crack sealing maintenance at the location, with numerous signs regarding same posted, including a reduced speed limit of 80 km/hr.

Investigation has determined the 55 year old male driver of a semi pulling two empty flat deck trailers failed to recognize in time that traffic ahead had slowed considerably. The driver attempted an evasive maneuver, however still collided / sideswiped a minivan, an SUV and a car. The semi ended up jack knifed across both NB lanes, and was no longer drivable. None of the three vehicles struck were operational either. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Unfortunately, the NB lanes of the QEII Hwy had to be diverted onto a parallel gravel road for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to allow for the investigation and removal of damaged vehicles.

The male driver of the semi, from Kamloops, BC, was issued a violation ticket under provisions of the Traffic Safety Act for careless driving.

Serious injury single MVC in Edmonton

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2014, it was reported that a Jeep Cherokee was northbound on Anthony Henday Drive and had exited onto the Yellowhead Trail West Off-Ramp in edmonton.  For unknown reasons, the SUV struck the left crash guard prior to the overpass, travelled off the roadway, and rolled down the embankment onto the eastbound lanes of the Yellowhead Trail.  Luckily, no vehicles travelling on the Yellowhead Trail were struck by the SUV.  The lone occupant of the SUV, the 68-year-old male driver, suffered life-threatening injuries.  EMS treated and transported the male to hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The EPS Major Collision Investigation Section continues to investigate the collision to determine the contributing factors.

Serious injury collision in Edmonton

EPS West Division patrol officers responded to a report of an injury collision at 156 Street and 111 Avenue at approximately 6:02 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2014. It was reported by witnesses that a Toyota Corolla was travelling westbound on 111 Avenue, and allegedly continued through the intersection against the red light. A Dodge Ram 2500 travelling southbound on 156 Street struck the car in the intersection, and both vehicles continued into the southwest corner of the intersection.

Both occupants of the Toyota were treated and transported to hospital by EMS. The 25-year-old female driver suffered minor injuries, however, the 26-year-old female passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and is currently in critical condition in hospital. The 45-year-old male driver of the Dodge did not report any injuries.

The EPS Major Collision Investigation Section is investigating the collision. It is believed that drug impairment may have been factor, and charges are pending against the driver of the car.
Driver travelling 141km/hr blows over twice legal limit

On Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 7:20 pm, a member of the Airdrie Rural RCMP was on routine patrol in Airdrie when the officer noticed a white GMC Terrain traveling at an excessive rate of speed. The RCMP member determined that the vehicle was traveling at 141 km/hr in the posted 60 km/hr zone on Veterans Blvd, east of Highway 2.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, and subsequently entered into an impaired driving investigation.

The driver of the vehicle, a 43-year old male from Calgary, was arrested and transported to the Airdrie RCMP Detachment where samples of his breath were taken in accordance with the Criminal Code.

The breath samples taken showed that the driver allegedly had a blood alcohol level at more than twice the legal limit.

Charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle and speeding at greater than 50 km/hr over the posted speed limit are now pending against the driver.

Vandals damage construction equipment in Airdrie

On the evening of June 25th, 2014 sometime after 6:30 pm, vandals caused damage to a bobcat tractor and a grader, resulting in damages estimated between $6,000 and $10,000. The equipment was parked on the site of Ecole Francophone D’Airdrie.

Windows were smashed, a gas tank damaged, and obscene phrases were spray-painted on equipment.

If you have information about this incident 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.

Luring incident in Fort Saskatchewan

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in their investigation into a suspicious incident that took place at approximately 4:40 p.m. on June 25, 2014 along Acadian Wynd in Fort Saskatchewan, when an adult male driving a driving a bluish green car stopped to ask an 8 year old boy who did not know him, if he needed a ride. The child refused and reported the incident to his parents, who contacted police. Police have received no other reports of this nature and at this point, this occurrence appears to be an isolated incident. The investigation continues.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or can help police identify the man involved is asked to call Constable Curtis Lajuenesse of the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP at (780) 992 6100 or call Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.

Sinkhole closes Hwy 754

On June 30, 2014 at 7 am Desmarais RCMP were alerted to the emergence of a sinkhole near HWY 754. Cst. Nicholas Sehn responded and located the hole was described near Kilometre 74 on Highway 754. Highway 754 is now closed to all traffic as the hole has continued to expand under the entire road.

Arrest of prolific offender in Blackfalds

On June 29, 2014, Blackfalds RCMP were conducting inquiries into the whereabouts of a male that was wanted with 33 outstanding charges dating back to 2010. The investigation led Blackfalds RCMP to a residence in the Town of Blackfalds. With the assistance of the Red Deer City RCMP, the residence was contained and the occupants spoken to. The home owner consented to a search of the residence by police. The search concluded when the male being searched for was found hiding in a closet under a blanket.

Arrested without incident was 37 year old Marvin LODGE of Blackfalds. Mr. LODGE was transported to the Blackfalds Detachment where he was brought before a Justice of the Peace. Mr. LODGE opted to hold the hearing over until court in Red Deer on Monday June 30, 2014.

The outstanding warrants for Mr. LODGE arrest were from Blackfalds RCMP, Red Deer City RCMP, Sylvan Lake RCMP, Wainwright RCMP and the Calgary Police Service.

A list of the outstanding charges are as follows:

• Impaired Driving (x3)
• Impaired Driving Over .08
• Mischief
• Fail to Comply with Probation (x3)
• Possession of a Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order
• Fail to Attend Court (x10)
• Drive Uninsured Motor Vehicle (x2)
• Fail to Provide a Breath Sample (x2)
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Disqualified (x2)
• Fail to Comply with Conditions (x6)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

Man charged in Sunday morning altercation in Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a man in connection with an early Sunday morning altercation near Whyte Avenue.

At approximately 3:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2014, police responded to a report of an altercation between four men in the area of 81 Avenue and 104 Street. During the altercation, a 31-year-old male was allegedly struck with an unknown object, and a 22-year-old male was allegedly stabbed. EMS treated and transported the two men to hospital, with the 22-year-old male in serious but non-life-threatening condition. Police apprehended one of the adult male suspects nearby. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor and the incident did not appear to be random.

Levi Robert Gunnarson, 26, was charged on Sunday, June 29, 2014, with assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and breach conditions of recognizance (x2).

EPS Southwest Division detectives continue to investigate and interview witnesses, and believe there may be one more adult male who was involved in the altercation. Anyone with information regarding the altercation 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

Strathmore hit and run suspect turns himself in

On June 28 just before 11:00 pm a pedestrian walking on Range Road 252a, just outside of Strathmore was struck by a truck traveling eastbound on this Range Road. The Range Road runs parallel along the Trans Canada Highway through Strathmore. After striking the pedestrian, the driver of the truck abruptly spun around and fled going into the north ditch between the Range Road and the Trans Canada Highway. In doing so it struck a power pole on the driver's side leaving broken parts of the suspect vehicle on the ground. The Driver traveled briefly eastbound in the ditch before returning to the roadway.

The injured pedestrian was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

At approximately 10:00 on Sunday June 29th 2014, a 37 year old male from Strathmore turned himself in to members of the Strathmore RCMP detachment. Charges of Dangerous Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident are pending against the male, who's name cannot yet be released. The 21 year old male victim has now been released from Foothills Hospital and the subject vehicle has been seized for evidence purposes.

Speeding on Deerfoot

On Sunday, June 29, 2014, members of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section conducted a targeted speed enforcement project over a three hour period in the 6400 block of Deerfoot Trail NE. A total of 51 violators were stopped for speeding which resulted in 60 summonses being issued. The lowest recorded speed was 120 km/h. The highest recorded speed was 157 km/h. The average recorded speed was 125 km/h. The area being enforced has a posted maximum speed of 100 km/h.

The speeds recorded in this section of Deerfoot Trail are a concern for members of the Calgary Police Service due to the risk posed to other users of the roadway. The most common contributing factors for collisions in this area are speeding, following too close, and unsafe lane changes. This has resulted in serious collisions that have included fatalities. A number of close calls were witnessed by the officers yesterday.

Drivers are encouraged to obey the posted speed limits, adjust speed to road and traffic conditions, and always leave enough room to react in an emergency.