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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Policing in Alberta to August 28, 2014


Investigation into James Lee's disappearance continues
Fort McMurray flasher sought by police
Airdrie B&E suspect sought by police
Unique gold ring found in Red Deer
Please drive safely this weekend
Retired Chief Judge Gail Vickery passes away
Back to school safety reminders
Man arrested for Fox Lake homicide
Chainsaw theft near Girouxville
Free the Fuzz Red Deer raises more than $21,000
Danny soon to be returning to work
MVC on Highway 1 at Redcliff
Firearm found near McLennan
1,100 vehicles checked at Calgary landfills
Man charged in Farah shooting
Nighttime break-ins in Calgary
New elementary school zone speed limits in Edmonton

Investigation into James (Jamie) Lee's disappearance still ongoing

Still missing: James Lee
Grande Prairie RCMP

This weekend will mark the third anniversary of the disappearance of James (Jamie) Lee who was last seen walking away from a campsite at Smokey Flats (40 kilometres south of Grande Prairie), at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2011.

Police remain optimistic that someone; who has not yet come forward, may have vital information which will move this investigation forward.

The following are LEE's descriptors at the time of his disappearance: Caucasian male, 6'1" tall, 150 lbs with a slender build, short brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown hoodie, blue jeans and Adidas casual shoes.

Shoes similar to the ones worn by James Lee at the time of his disappearance

Police urge anyone with information relating to James (Jamie) LEE to please contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Fort McMurray flasher sought by police

Wood Buffalo RCMP

On Wednesday August 27th, shortly after 5:00 pm, Wood Buffalo RCMP received a complaint of an indecent act that occurred at Sobeys on Reidel Street in downtown Fort McMurray. An unknown man exposed himself to a female employee in the store before leaving.

Police are asking for assistance in identifying the man who is described as being in his late teens to early twenties, approximately 5’ 8” tall, average build, wearing a white shirt, beige hat, khaki pants,
black sunglasses and was wearing a large watch. The man had black facial hair and brown eyes.
Store video surveillance captured photographs of the man, shown below.


Have you seen (too much) of this man?
No one was injured during this incident and the matter remains under investigation.

If you have information about this, or any other investigation(s), please call the Wood Buffalo RCMP at (780) 788-4000, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions on how to do). 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), the recovery of stolen property, and/or a seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Airdrie B&E suspect sought by police

Airdrie RCMP

On August 22 at 2:42 am, a lone male entered the Neighbourhood Convenience Store on Railway Avenue, using a rock to smash out the glass door.  Once inside the male took and undisclosed amount of cigarettes and departed through the broken front door.

Video surveillance captured the incident.

B&E suspect
The male is described as;
Caucasian
Short dark hair
Wearing a dark coloured sweater over a blue button-down shirt
Dark pants
A grey hat with a flat brim.

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.

Unique gold ring found in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP

On August 25, a good citizen turned in a unique gold ring they had found to the downtown Red Deer RCMP detachment. The ring was found that day in the parking lot of the A & W Restaurant at 6320 50 Avenue in Red Deer.

The ring looks as though it may have been custom made; people who have lost such a ring are invited to call the Exhibits staff at Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2574 from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. They will be asked to provide proof of ownership in order to claim it, which may be a photo or appraisal certificate, or a detailed description alongside other proof of ownership.

Please drive safely this weekend

Motorists traveling on Alberta highways throughout the Labour Day long weekend can expect to see an enhanced traffic enforcement presence to promote safe driving behaviour.

Members of Alberta’s Integrated Traffic Units (ITUs), which consist of RCMP Traffic Services members and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs, will be focusing their efforts on identified enforcement priorities that have demonstrative causal links to fatal and serious injury collisions. The overall goal is to support drivers to make safe decisions while they are behind the wheel, and in turn minimize the number of serious collisions that tend to occur on Holiday long weekends.

ITU enforcement priorities include:

  1. Impaired Driving - Approximately 20% of fatal collisions involve a driver who had been drinking. Drivers are reminded that if they consume alcohol, to arrange for alternative transportation. 
  2. Occupant restraints - Canada-wide, about 40% of vehicle occupants that are fatally injured in collisions are not wearing a seatbelt. Seat belts and child safety seats are the single most cost effective life saving device currently available to reduce motor vehicle trauma. Drivers need to ensure that everyone is buckled up. 
  3. Speed and aggressive driving - Traveling even a few km/hr over the posted speed limit increases the distance required to stop and adds to the severity of the injuries if a collision occurs. Keep to the posted speed limit and keep a safe distance (2 seconds) between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. 
  4. Distracted driving - Distracted driving is a contributing factor in many fatal collisions. Keep distracting items, including cell phones, tablets, and DVD players safely stowed away and out of reach and view of the driver.
  5. Holiday long weekend enforcement - Fatal and serious injury collisions are more frequent on holiday long weekends. Contributing factors include increased traffic volume, great variety of vehicles (RV’s. trailers, large trucks and passenger vehicles), drivers traveling on unfamiliar highways, fatigue, distraction and impaired driving). Expect increased traffic volume, and drive accordingly. 

Integrated Traffic Units consist of RCMP Traffic Services members and Alberta Traffic Sheriffs working together in a collaborative effort to deliver effective and efficient traffic safety services to Albertans, with a focus on identified enforcement priorities.

Retired Chief Judge Gail Vickery passes away

Government of Alberta

Premier Dave Hancock and Justice and Solicitor General Minister Jonathan Denis issued the following statements today.

Statement from Premier Hancock:

“During my tenure as Minister of Justice, I had the privilege of working with Gail Vickery while she served as a Provincial Court judge. Her innovative thinking, exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice set her apart as a Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta.

"Gail was passionate about her work and a strong supporter of the Provincial Court and her reputation as being down to earth and personable made her a pleasure to know and work with. Her service to Albertans will not be forgotten.

"My condolences go out to her family and friends, and all those she touched throughout her lifetime.”

Statement from Minister Denis:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former Chief Judge The Honourable A. Gail Vickery on August 27. She was the first woman to be appointed Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta and served in that role with great distinction and grace. It was under her leadership that the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, together with the judiciary, launched Court Case Management, a major initiative to modernize the justice system in Alberta.

"Her hard working nature and steady hand, coupled with her firm belief in the principles of justice are lasting contributions to our justice system and a distinguished 40-year legal career.”

Back to school safety reminders from Red Deer RCMP

While a few of Red Deer’s year-round schools have been back in session for a few weeks, the rest of the city’s schools start classes again on Tuesday, September 2. Red Deer RCMP would like to remind drivers, parents and students of a few important tips to make the return to school safe and successful for everyone.

Starting September 2, all school zones in Red Deer are once again in effect. The speed limit in Red Deer school zones is 30 km/ hr and is in effect from 8 to 9:30 am, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3 to 4:30 pm on school days. RCMP will be checking school zones to ensure that drivers remember to slow down and watch for children. The fine for going 50 km/ hr in a school zone is $177 and that fine amount increases as the speed increases.

Alternating flashing yellow or amber lights mean a bus is slowing down to stop. Drivers must do the same, and are required to stop when the school bus activates its alternately flashing red lights. The fine for passing a school bus with flashing red lights is $345.

Students making their way to school are reminded to be alert at intersections and always look for danger when crossing the street. If you’re walking to school, walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing traffic, staying as far away from the vehicles as possible.

If you take the bus, wait for it at a safe place at least 10 steps away from the road. Never run after the school bus to try to catch up. And remember, if you can't see the driver, the driver can't see you either. If you bike, roller blade or skateboard to school, don’t forget your safety gear. Youth under 18 are required by Alberta law to wear a helmet when riding a bike.

We all have a part to play in ensuring the safety of our children and the roads, and Red Deer RCMP thank you for driving defensively and observing school zone speed limits during school hours.

Man arrested for Fox Lake homicide

RCMP have charged Andy Noskiye, 20,with manslaughter, two counts of assault with a weapon and uttering threats. Noskiye was remanded in custody to appear in High Level Provincial Court on September 2, 2014.

In the early morning hours of August 22, 2014, North Peace Tribal Police Service responded to a report of a shooting at a campground near Fox Lake. Ramona Noskiye, 46, was found deceased at the scene. Andy Noskiye, was apprehended at a nearby residence without incident.

The Edmonton RCMP Major Crimes Unit attended Fox Lake to assist in the investigation.

North Peace Tribal Police Service and RCMP would like to thank the community of Fox Lake for their cooperation in the resolution of this incident.

Chainsaw theft near Girouxville

McLennan RCMP
On August 26th, 2014 a local resident reported their chainsaw as stolen.  The chainsaw was stolen from a rural residence west of Girouxville, Alberta in the last six weeks.  The chainsaw is described as an orange Stihl MS170 with a 16 inch bar.

The McLennan RCMP Detachment is requesting that anyone with information about the theft or current location of the stolen chainsaw call the McLennan RCMP Detachment at (780) 324-3086 or Crimestoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Free the Fuzz Red Deer raises more than $21,000 for Special Olympics

Red Deer RCMP

Last weekend’s Free the Fuzz event at Parkland Mall was a success, with Red Deerians throwing more than $21,000 in the bucket to support the Special Olympics. Alberta Sheriff Ryan Crawford and Red Deer RCMP Constable Ray Leonhardt volunteered to spend the weekend on scaffolding that had been attached to the roof of Walmart. On the ground below, they were supported by Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement representatives from Alberta Correctional Services, RCMP Dispatch, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Sheriffs, Red Deer RCMP, Alberta Animal Services, and Penhold Municipal Enforcement. There was music and dancing, and a barbeque by donation.



“Red Deer is so supportive of the Special Olympics, and we had a good time making it fun for people to donate,” says Constable Jeff Hewitt with Red Deer RCMP. “Every two hours we had a dance party to favourites like YMCA, the Macarena, Gangnam Style and the Cha Cha Slide, and people from the crowd would join in. In between, the officers on the roof were entertaining the crowds, talking and dancing, encouraging them to donate.”

The two volunteers on the scaffolding spent the entire weekend up there, pulling out winter sleeping bags when the nights grew chilly. The ground party went from 9 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday. As an added treat, RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs brought police cruisers and let kids explore the insides and play with the sirens.

Free the Fuzz is organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and participants volunteer their time outside of their regular work schedule. All donations go straight to the Special Olympics. Free the Fuzz was sponsored by Walmart, E & D Scaffolding, The Keg, Cora Restaurant, Maple Leaf Foods and Starbucks.

Danny soon to be returning to work

RCMP Alberta Media Relations

Inspector André Lemyre, Officer in Charge of RCMP Police Dog Services, hosted a media event on August 27 at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre (PDSTC) in Innisfail, Alberta to update Canadians on the status of Danny, the Police Service Dog (PSD). PSD Danny's partner, Cst. David Ross, was killed in the line of duty on June 4, 2014 in Moncton, NB, and since those the events, there has been a public swell of interest in Danny and his future. This event provided an opportunity to thank Canadians for their support, and to provide an update on PSD Danny's status and return to active police duty.

Danny
"We are really appreciative for the outpouring of support and interest from Canadians for Danny and his well-being. It's been passionate and persistent since the events of June 4," said Insp. Lemyre, Officer in Charge of RCMP Police Dog Services, "I want to thank all Canadians for the support and compassion they've shared since the passing of our fallen members, and for Danny and his future."

The RCMP will not be sharing Danny’s new posting or any information pertaining to Danny’s new handler with the media or public.

"What's important now is that Danny and his new handler be given the opportunity to perform their duties to the highest standard," said Insp. Lemyre, "We want to give them both every opportunity to succeed and thrive in their new partnership."

Danny was born on Sept. 7, 2011 at the PDSTC and at eight weeks of age, he was sent to Vancouver Island to be raised and imprinted by an RCMP member and aspiring dog handler. On Dec. 4, 2012, after showing great potential, Danny was sent to Cst. David Ross in Moncton, NB, and together they returned to the PDSTC on April 22 to begin their formal training. The team graduated on Aug. 30, 2013, and then returned to Moncton as part of the Codiac Regional Police Dog Services where they served with pride.

Following the tragic events of June 4, 2014, Danny was returned to the PDSTC, where he was teamed with a new and experienced handler to begin a bonding process. Danny and his new handler returned to the PDSTC in early August and began their re-team training. They will be returning to operational policing in the near future to serve and protect Canadians.

Danny is a progeny of the RCMP breeding program. He is first and foremost a police service dog, and has been bred, imprinted and trained through rewards starting at a young age. He has confidence and is very driven, which makes him an excellent police service dog. Danny is performing a service which he loves to do and it is expected that he will be able to continue his career as a police service dog for at least five more years.

Further information about the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre and Program can be found at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/depot/pdstc-cdcp/index-eng.htm.

MVC on Highway 1 at Redcliff

Redcliff RCMP

Shortly after 10:00 am on August 27, 2014, Redcliff RCMP members responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 1 and Mitchell Street. Preliminary investigation has revealed that an RV was making a left turn on a flashing green light onto Mitchell Street when an eastbound car did not stop for the red light and collided with the passenger side of the RV. The lone occupant of the car was taken by ambulance to MHRH for precautionary measures and none of the two occupants of the RV were injured. No charges have been laid as yet, and none of the occupants are from Alberta.

Traffic was backed up slightly on Highway 1 eastbound but was easily rerouted onto a side street for a period of about an hour. Traffic has since been able to resume normally in both directions.

The RCMP remind motorists to ensure they are maintaining good 360 degree vision around them at all times and sighting well ahead of themselves while driving in order to anticipate changes in traffic and road conditions at all times.

Firearm found near McLennan

McLennan RCMP

On August 25th, 2014 an area resident was walking in a rural area northeast of McLennan, AB when they found a case containing a firearm. The firearm and case were turned over to the McLennan RCMP but the owner has yet to be identified. The McLennan RCMP Detachment is requesting that anyone who may have been travelling in the area check to see if they are missing a firearm and if so to contact the McLennan RCMP Detachment at (780) 324-3086 with a description of their missing firearm to see if is the recovered one.

1,100 vehicles checked at Calgary landfills

Calgary Police Service

The Calgary Police Service has concluded an operation targeting drivers unsafely transporting goods to local landfills.

The three-month operation was intended to educate the public and commercial truck drivers about the hazards of unsecure loads, not having vehicles in proper working order, and not having appropriate permits.

Since Saturday, May 24, 2014, more than 1,120 vehicles were pulled over by officers near the Spyhill Landfill, with roughly 21 per cent found to be non-compliant with the rules of the road related to unsecure loads, trailer specifications and general traffic regulations.

Officers issued 218 warnings and another 17 violation tickets, including fines for not completely covering loose material ($500) and allowing loose material to escape from a vehicle ($150).

Much of the feedback gleaned from the public included their own stories of being struck by debris, while others were grateful for the education on how to properly secure a load.

Each year, the Service receives complaints from drivers about debris being blown from trucks and other vehicles, especially those on the way to a landfill. As a result, vehicles are damaged and in some cases, collisions are caused. In many instances, if the offending driver is located and pulled over by officers, it is determined the vehicles are in violation of the rules.

Commercial vehicles must have the proper documentation, including decals, permits and when asked, drivers are required to produce an up-to-date logbook.

Man charged in Farah shooting

Calgary Police Service

The Calgary Police Service confirms a man was taken into custody at a residence in the 6600 block of Ranchview Drive N.W., in relation to a weekend shooting. Hussein IBRAHIM, 21, faces one charge of discharging firearm recklessness. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2014. He is one of the three individuals released August 27. He is facing one charge of reckless use of a firearm. His role in Saturday’s shooting is continuing to be investigated as it relates specifically to the death of Natasha Mohamed FARAH.

A second man who was arrested earlier this week remains in custody on a Toronto-based Canada-wide warrant for attempted murder.

A search warrant was executed at the property where the man was arrested last night.

Investigators continue to ask witnesses to come forward.

Nighttime break-ins in Calgary

Calgary Police Service

The Calgary Police Service is continuing to urge residents to properly secure their homes and vehicles after a number of nighttime break-ins.

Between Tuesday, August 19, 2014, and Tuesday, August 26, 2014, six break and enters have been reported in the community of Killarney. In all cases, the culprit(s) gained access to residences through unlocked windows and doors, by removing screen windows, or through overhead garage doors. It is unknown if any of these incidents are connected.

In many cases, residences were occupied at the time of the break-ins.

The Service would like to remind Calgarians to stay vigilant and to secure their homes and vehicles throughout all hours of the day, regardless of residences being occupied. Citizens should follow these safety tips:
  • Hide or preferably remove any valuables from vehicles, including garage door openers. Offenders can easily gain access to a residence by using a garage door opener that has been left in a vehicle.
  • Lock all doors and windows, including doors leading from an attached garage into a residence. Screen doors and windows do not provide any level of security as they can be easily cut or removed.
  • Turn off power to overhead garage doors.
Report any suspicious activity to police by calling 403-266-1234. If a crime is in progress, please call 9-1-1.

New elementary school zone speed limits in Edmonton

Edmonton Police Service

School zones should be safe zones for kids

As of September 2, 2014, school zones will come into effect around elementary schools throughout Edmonton. Motorists will be required by law to slow down to 30 km/h between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on school days where new signage is posted. The lower speed limit will improve safety around elementary schools and protect the city’s most vulnerable road users – young children.

Bev Esslinger, Councillor of Ward 2 says “In my previous role with the Edmonton Public School Board and as an Edmonton City Councillor, I have heard very clearly from school administrators, teachers and parents that they don’t feel children are safe around their own schools.  I strongly believe that by reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h throughout the school day, our kids will be better protected.”

“Speed, high traffic volumes and large numbers of young students make for a dangerous and potentially tragic combination around schools,” adds Dave Loken, Councillor for Ward 3.  “Children don’t always understand when it’s safe to cross the street.  By slowing down and paying careful attention, motorists have more time and space to react and can prevent serious injuries or deaths.”

Deputy Chief Brian Simpson with the Edmonton Police Service says “Speeding and careless driving in neighbourhoods continues to be a top concern for citizens and police.  We will be working closely with the City’s Office of Traffic Safety to ensure that drivers adhere to the new speed limits in school zones and are doing their part to keep children safe.”

Children aged 10 to 14 years have the highest incidence of pedestrian-related injuries, with children aged five to 14 years being at the greatest risk for pedestrian-related deaths.  Crossing at an intersection puts young pedestrians at greatest risk of injury or death.  Due to their size and weight, children who are struck by vehicles often suffer serious or life threatening injuries.

For the most part, these are preventable collisions.  Under ideal conditions, a vehicle travelling at 50 km/h needs 24 to 28 metres to come to a complete stop, while a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h only needs 11 to 13 metres to stop.  When the roads are wet or icy, vehicles need five extra metres at 30 km/h and 10 extra metres at 50 km/h in order to stop safely.  More significantly, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle travelling 30 km/h has a 95 per cent survival rate, however at 50 km/h the survival rate drops to 45 per cent.

Motorists are reminded to slow down as they approach school zones and pay extra attention to pedestrian and cyclist traffic.  Remember that school zones should be safe zones!

For more information about the new school zones as well as collision statistics, please visit www.edmonton.ca/why30

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