Policing in Alberta to September 2, 2014

 

Edmonton manslaughter suspect sought
Fatal MVC near Castor
Vandals flip utility trailer in Fort Macleod
Door-to-door scam in Lethbridge
Armed robbery in Okotoks
Armed distressed male in Medicine Hat
Sexual assault in Calgary 
Two vehicle collision near Grande Prairie 
RCMP Grande Prairie long weekend summary
Numerous check stop charges by Red Deer RCMP
Thefts from vehicles in Canmore
Suspicious death in Bowness

 Warrant issued for arrest of Edmonton manslaughter suspect

Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old male in a southwest apartment suite that occurred on Monday, August 25, 2014 in the area of 105 Street and 83 Avenue.

The Medical Examiner conducted the victim’s autopsy on Friday, August 29, 2014. The victim was identified as Sylvin St. Pierre, 20, and the cause of death was deemed to be a gunshot wound to the head.

The Edmonton Police Service has since issued a Canada-wide warrant for the arrest of Collin James Courteoreille, 20, for numerous firearm-related charges, including manslaughter while using a firearm and criminal negligence causing death by using a firearm.

Courteoreille is described as an Aboriginal male, 6’0” tall and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He has a scar beside his left eye, a curling snake tattoo on his left forearm and skull tattoos on his right forearm.

Courteoreille is believed to be armed and dangerous.

The public is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service should the accused be located, but do not approach him. Anyone with information about this shooting is urged 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

Fatal MVC near Castor

Coronation RCMP

On Saturday, August 30, 2014, at 4:26 am, Coronation RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover on Range Road 142, approximately 4 km south of Castor. Fire and EMS were also dispatched from both Coronation and Castor to attend the scene.

Two male occupants of a pickup truck were ejected and required medical attention. The passenger of the vehicle was taken to Red Deer Hospital, and later to Calgary Foothills Hospital where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle was treated at Coronation Hospital, then transported to Red Deer Hospital for further treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and identities of the passenger and driver are being withheld until the investigation is concluded.

Vandals flip utility trailer in Fort Macleod

Fort Macleod RCMP

On August 25, 2014 at 10:00 PM, the Fort Macleod RCMP received a complaint of mischief to a utility trailer on 4th Ave, between 10th and 11 Street in Fort Macleod. A group of 4 youth were seen leaving the scene after flipping the trailer and cracking the roof.

The RCMP is investigating this incident as a mischief 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).

Door-to-door scam in Lethbridge

Lethbridge Regional Police are advising the public of a fraudulent door-to-door scam.

On Sept. 1 police responded to a citizen complaint in the area of Sheridan Place West reporting a fraudulent door-to-door canvasser. It was reported that a Caucasian male had been going door-to-door seeking cash donations for the Girl Guides of Canada. The male has been positively identified by Police and this matter remains under investigation.

The public is reminded that the only legitimate door-to-door campaign undertaken by the Guides is their annual sale of cookies – the Guides do not seek cash donations. All such solicitations are fraudulent.

Armed robbery in Okotoks

Okotoks RCMP

On September 1, 2014 approx 2230 hours, Okotoks RCMP responded to a complaint of an armed robbery. A male suspect entered the Star Liquor at 81 Southridge Drive in Okotoks, Alberta. The suspect was wearing a black balaclava and produced a firearm to the clerk. He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing on foot.

The suspect is a male, believed to be 20-25 years of age, approx. 5'9 - 5'10, skinny, wearing a black shirt, black pants, black shoes with white sole. He was carrying a larger size black backpack with grey accents.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Okotoks RCMP at (403)995-6400 or Crimestoppers (1-800-222-TIPS)

Armed distressed male in Medicine Hat

Redcliff RCMP

At about 3:03 am on September 1, 2014, members of Medicine Hat Police Service patrol division responded to the 1200 Block of Elm Street SE., Medicine Hat, in response to a complaint of a distressed male in possession of a weapon. The male was later located in the rural area surrounding Medicine Hat and Redcliff RCMP along with the Medicine Hat Police Service, responded.

The incident was a collaborative and coordinated response by both police agencies. In an effort to assist the subject, and protect the public, the following support and emergency services were activated:

• Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services
• Medicine Hat Fire Service
• Alberta Mental Health Crisis Team
• Medicine Hat Police Service Specialty Units (Tactical Arrest Control Team, Crisis Negotiators)
• RCMP Redcliff
• RCMP K Division - Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Service

At about 4:00 am, the male was located in the rural area between the City of Medicine Hat and the Hamlet of Dunmore on Highway 1. Police communicated with the male early on in the incident in an effort to resolve the incident and continued to communicate throughout.

At approximately 6:40 am the incident ended with the male taking his own life. The matter is under investigation by RCMP Redcliff. The name of the deceased will not be released by either police agency.

Traffic on Highway 1 within the area of Dunmore was rerouted during this incident, and the public are thanked for their understanding.

Sexual assault in Calgary

The Calgary Police Service Sex Crimes Unit is currently investigating a sexual assault that occurred overnight.

At approximately 8 a.m., today, Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, police were called to a convenience store in Coral Springs for reports of a woman in distress. The woman arrived at the store on foot a short time before and asked staff to call 911.

It's believed the woman was sexually assaulted in the vicinity while she was walking home several hours earlier, however, the crime scene has not been located. The woman sustained a possible head injury and is currently in hospital being treated for her injuries.

The victim told investigators she was walking in an alleyway when she was approached by two men. One of the men struck her in the face and then it's alleged he sexually assaulted her. After the assault, the woman ran from the scene and attempted to flag down two separate motorists to help, however, neither stopped.

The Service is asking the two motorists, as well as anyone who may have information about this crime to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers.

Investigators continue to work with the victim and a composite sketch of the suspects is expected in the next few days.

The first suspect is described as a Caucasian man, in his 50s, 5'11", 190 pounds, with short, grey, brush-cut hair, and blue eyes. He was wearing blue jeans, a blue jean jacket and white running shoes.

The second suspect in an Aboriginal man, with long hair in a braid. He was wearing black jeans and a black, half-zip hoodie.

Two vehicle collision near Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie RCMP

 Police are continuing to investigate an early morning collision where two occupants fled the scene. There were no reports of any serious injuries. RCMP are continuing their investigation.

This morning at approximately 5 a.m. RCMP, along with other emergency responders were called to the scene of a collision on Highway 40, just north of the Wapiti Bridge. Witness accounts are that a southbound Pontiac Grand Prix collided with a southbound GMC pick-up truck. The Grand Prix came to rest in the ditch. Prior to police arriving, two of the three occupants of the vehicle fled the scene. One suspect was seen going north, the other south, both on foot. The third occupant was questioned by police and released. The driver and passenger of the pick-up truck received what are believed to be minor injuries.

Police continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information regarding this collision to please contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5701.

RCMP Grande Prairie long weekend summary

Between 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2014 and 7:00 a.m. today, Tuesday, September 02, 2014, the Grande Prairie RCMP received 273 reports and/or calls for service, which included: 

• 21 911 calls
• 2 Abandoned Vehicles
• 8 Animal complaints
• 6 Assaults
• 2 Breach of Peace
• 3 Fail to comply with conditions
• 6 Break and Enters
• 6 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Complaints
• 23 Disturb the Peace
• 19 Other Moving Traffic Complaints
• 1 Other Non-Moving Traffic Complaints
• 16 False Alarms
• 3 Frauds
• 6 Impaired Drivers
• 2 Items Lost or Found
• 3 Gaming and Liquor Act Complaints
• 20 Mischief complaints
• 7 Municipal Bylaw complaints
• 2 Theft of Motor Vehicle complaints
• 15 Theft related complaints
• 10 Suspicious person, vehicle, or property
• 16 Traffic Collisions
• 5 Uttering Threats complaints
• 34 Other (Criminal Code/Provincial Act/Municipal Bylaw)
• 37 Assist (General Public, Other Agencies, Other Police)

Red Deer RCMP lay numerous charges in long weekend check stops

Red Deer RCMP

Over the Labour Day long weekend, Red Deer RCMP ran check stops at two locations on Friday and then two locations again on Saturday, checking a total of approximately 360 vehicles for impaired drivers and other traffic violations. As a result of these check stops, the following charges were laid:

• 4 – impaired drivers arrested and charged (vehicles were seized for 3 days)
• 1 – 24-hour suspension (drugs)
• 2 – 30-day suspensions for a GDL driver, for blowing 0-50 mg% (vehicles were seized for 7 days)
• 2 – 72-hour suspensions for blowing 50-100 mg% (vehicles were seized for 3 days)
• 1 – CDSA (Controlled Drug and Substances Act) charge (drug possession)
• 5 – suspended drivers charged, and their vehicles seized for a minimum of 30 days
• 3 – no insurance ($2,875 starting fine)
• 13 – Criminal Code charges
• 18 – warrants executed
• 38 – other tickets issued

As well as setting up check stops, Red Deer RCMP actively patrol for driving violations on every shift, using marked and unmarked police vehicles. Police are always vigilant for possible impaired drivers, and so are many concerned citizens who report impaired drivers to RCMP regularly.

“Impaired driving takes a toll on the entire community – it’s a crime, and we treat it as such,” says Cpl. Matt LaBelle of Red Deer RCMP. “If you drive impaired, your luck is going to run out and we will catch you.”

Thefts from vehicles in Canmore

Canmore RCMP responded to a Mischief call at the Buller Mountain and Mount Shark parking lot facilities in Kananaskis Country. Sometime between August 28 and August 31, unknown culprits smashed windows, broke into consoles and glove boxes in a large number of parked vehicles. Various items were stolen including wallets, cash, identification, clothing and other belongings.

Investigators urge anyone who may have information regarding these crimes or identity of the culprit(s) to contact Canmore RCMP at 403.678.5519.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com. If the information leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

RCMP would like to remind citizens of the importance of removing all valuables from vehicles including:

• Wallets;
• Money, including loose coins;
• Identification;
• Laptops;
• Cameras and other electronics;
• Luggage and other personal items.

Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious persons or activity immediately to Police.

Suspicious death in Bowness

Calgary Police Service

The Calgary Police Service is currently investigating the suspicious death of a man in Bowness last night.

At approximately 10:45 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, police were called to a parking lot in the 6300 block of Bowness Road N.W. for reports of a man in medical distress. The 38-year-old man was transported to hospital where he was declared deceased upon arrival.

It is believed the suspect and the victim knew of each other through a third party, and that a verbal altercation led to a physical assault.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014, in which manner and cause of death will be officially determined.

A 17-year-old man is currently in custody and charges of second-degree murder are pending. Under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, his name will not be released.