Missing man at Brazeau Dam
Fatal pedestrian collision in Edmonton
Malena Loonskin death confirmed to be homicide
Back-country rescue of injured man near Pine Needle Creek
St. Albert RCMP officer charged with assault
Hogs and crotch rockets are vehicles too
On July 1, 2014 at approximately 8:30 PM, RCMP responded to a call for service at the Brazeau Dam Canal. A group of swimmers lost sight of one of their group; 25 year Trent BEAVERBONES of the O'Chiese First Nation Reserve, who was last seen jumping into the water, at which point he never surfaced. Rescue crews equipped with boats and sonar made immediate efforts to locate him. An extensive, exhaustive search by land, air and water that has been conducted over the past 40 hours and he has not been located.
The Brazeau Dam is located approximately 95 km north west of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Fatal pedestrian collision in Edmonton
At approximately 8:15 pm on Friday, July 4, 2014, a 69-year-old female got off an ETS bus with her groceries at a bus stop in the northwest corner of the Webber Greens Drive and Lewis Greens Drive intersection in Edmonton. The woman stepped off the curb near the corner and began crossing Webber Greens Drive when she was struck by a westbound Dodge Dakota. Several witnesses attempted life saving procedures until Fire Rescue and EMS arrived and took over, but the woman was declared deceased on scene by paramedics. The driver of the truck did not report any injuries.
The EPS Major Collision Investigation Section continues to investigate what factors may have contributed to the collision, however, alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time. It is not known at this time whether there will be charges against the 25-year-old male driver of the truck.
Malena Loonskin death confirmed to be homicide
After an extensive ground search for Malena Loonskin following her disappearance in John D’Or Prairie on June 23, 2014, the RCMP confirms that she has been located deceased in a wooded area in proximity to her residence. Her remains were discovered on July 1, 2014 by a member from the public who was assisting in the search.
On July 3, 2014 an autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Medical examiner in Edmonton and it was confirmed that she was the victim of a homicide.
Edmonton RCMP Major Crimes Unit investigators investigating the matter, have arrested and charged Malena's common-law husband, Jason TALLCREE for Second Degree Murder and Indignity to Human Remains. Jason TALLCREE was remanded in custody to appear in Fort Vermillion Provincial court on July 8, 2014.
RCMP officers and the North Peace Tribal Police Service would like to thank the Chief and Council and the many members of the Little Red River Cree Nation as well as all volunteers who have assisted in the many hours of search prior to Malena's discovery.
Back-country rescue of injured man near Pine Needle Creek
Members of the Sundre RCMP Detachment responded to a complaint of a seriously injured 56 year old male in the area of Pine Needle Creek, west of Sundre, AB. The injured male had been operating an off highway vehicle (OHV) in the area with several other people when his OHV rolled, landing on top of him and causing severe injury.
Sundre RCMP coordinated the rescue, along with members of Sundre Fire and Rescue, Kananaskis Public Safety, Alpine Helicopters, Sundre Search and Rescue, Alberta Health Services and STARS Air Ambulance.
The injured male was successfully extracted from the remote location where he was found, using a helicopter and slinging techniques to air lift him from the site. The male was stabilized by medical personnel and then transported to a nearby site where STARS air lifted the male to Foothills Hospital.
The exact injuries could not be determined at the time, however the male was conscious and in stable condition while being transported.
The collision appeared to occur as a result of steep terrain in the area. The injured male and his group were experienced back country users with several years of off highway vehicle use. The group was well equipped for emergency situations and used equipment such as a satellite telephone and GPS units to request emergency services and provide accurate information in relation to their location.
The Sundre RCMP and its partners want to remind the public of the potential hazards when travelling or pursing recreational activities in the back country. Everyone should travel in groups and not exceed their level of experience for the activities that they engage in. Equipment such as GPS, satellite communications, first aid kits and survival gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.
St. Albert RCMP officer charged with assault
On July 2nd, 2014, Cst. Chris WILCOX of the St. Albert RCMP Detachment was charged with one count of Assault under Section 266 of the Criminal Code. He will make his first appearance in St. Albert Provincial Court on September 15, 2014.
The charges are the result of an RCMP investigation into an on-duty incident that occurred on November 17th, 2013 involving a civilian in custody at the St. Albert RCMP Detachment.
Cst. WILCOX remains on active duty pending resolution of the charges against him. An internal RCMP Code of Conduct investigation has been ordered and will be completed upon resolution of the court process.
Fire hazard high in Central and Northern Alberta
On July 2nd, 2014, Cst. Chris WILCOX of the St. Albert RCMP Detachment was charged with one count of Assault under Section 266 of the Criminal Code. He will make his first appearance in St. Albert Provincial Court on September 15, 2014.
The charges are the result of an RCMP investigation into an on-duty incident that occurred on November 17th, 2013 involving a civilian in custody at the St. Albert RCMP Detachment.
Cst. WILCOX remains on active duty pending resolution of the charges against him. An internal RCMP Code of Conduct investigation has been ordered and will be completed upon resolution of the court process.
Hogs and crotch rockets are vehicles too
The Alberta government’s July traffic safety campaign focuses on education about motorcycle safety.
Between 2008 and 2012, there were 3,581 motorcycles involved in casualty collisions, resulting in 155 deaths and 3,703 injuries.
“All motorists play a role in motorcycle safety. Be aware of motorcyclists while driving and give them the space they need. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle has two wheels, four wheels or 18, we all share the road.” - Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Transportation
Motorcycles have the same rights on the road as larger vehicles. A driver should allow a motorcycle to have an entire lane to itself and check blind spots before changing lanes.
“Safety isn't a skill, it is part of each rider’s daily checklist, which should include their motorcycle, their riding gear and the correct attitude to ride.” - James McCarthy, Senior Motorcycle Instructor, Canadian Traffic Education Centre
Motorcycle Facts (2008 – 2012)
- Nearly two-thirds of collisions involving a motorcycle resulted in death or injury. This compares to approximately one in 10 for all collisions.
- The younger the motorcyclist, the higher the collision rate. Motorcycle riders age 16 to 17 years had the highest involvement rate per 1,000 licensed motorcyclists.
- The highest number of casualty collisions involving motorcycles occurred during the month of July.
- Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than cars and often have high performance capabilities. When motorcycles crash, their riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle and therefore are more likely to be injured or killed.
- Motorcycles demand a high degree of skill – proper training and preparation are essential to having a safe trip.
- Replace a helmet that has been damaged and avoid buying a used one. A used helmet may have been involved in a crash and could be damaged.
- Wear appropriate gear to provide an optimum level of comfort and safety.
Related information:
Fire hazard high in Central and Northern Alberta
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development/Alberta Fire Bans
Fire hazard is high in Central and Northern Alberta. You can help us minimize the risk of wildfire.
It’s been a wet spring in some parts of the province – but that doesn’t mean that we’re out of the woods when it comes to fire season. Due to a combination of high winds and little rain, the fire hazard level is now high in central and northern areas of the province.
Due to water supply issues a fire ban is in place until further notice in the Town of Black Diamond and in Turner Valley.
What this means for you
It’s your responsibility to be aware of the fire hazard in your area before you burn – even if you have a permit. To give you as much information as possible on potential fire bans, the province has updated its system.
When an area’s fire hazard begins to climb, a fire advisory can be issued. This means your permit may be suspended or it may even be cancelled. Each advisory will vary depending on the current situation, so it’s important to check the details in your area. Remember: any burning in Alberta’s Forest Protection Area requires a permit during fire season – the only exceptions are campfires.
If the fire hazard continues to rise, a fire restriction or fire ban can be issued – which means that even campfires can be restricted or prohibited. In extreme situations, a fire ban may be upgraded to a forest area closure where no forest access is permitted for public safety reasons.
Here’s a breakdown of the fire ban system’s five levels:
Related link: albertafirebans.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Comments are moderated before being published. Please be civil.