Policing in Alberta to October 10, 2014

Fatal stabbing in NE Calgary
Pharmacy B&E in Red Deer
Fatal MVC in Wetaskiwin
LRPS lays charges in two recent home invasions

Leashed dog killed in Okotoks crosswalk
High River man arrested for assault and theft
Hit and run sends High River longboarder to hospital
Saving lives during Operation Impact
Youth charged with theft from St. Albert McDonald's

EPS encourages parents to talk to kids about stranger danger

Fatal stabbing in NE Calgary

Calgary Police Service

At approximately 9:40 pm on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, a man and woman were closing up a business in the 4700 block of Westwinds Drive N.E. The man was leaving on foot with cash and receipts when he was approached and attacked by two males. He was robbed of his cash and stabbed.

The victim, Maqsood AHMED, 55, was transported to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The woman, an employee of the company was uninjured. An autopsy was completed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner this morning confirming that the victim died as a result of stab wounds.

Investigators are reviewing images captured by security cameras in the area. The two suspects are described as:

• Black male in his 20s, approximately 5’10” tall with a lean muscular build and long hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white shoes.
• Black male in his 20’s, approximately 6’ tall with a medium to heavy build and short hair. He was wearing a light coloured hoodie under a dark three quarter length leather jacket, dark pants and white shoes.

Vehicle of similar make and model to that used by offenders

Vehicle on scene, a 2 door Toyota Solara

The vehicle used by the offenders is described as a dark coloured 1999 to 2003, two-door Toyota Solara. A photo of the vehicle that was at the scene, as well as one that is similar, is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 403-266-1234, the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

CASE # 14395573

Pharmacy B&E in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP

Shortly before 5:00 am on October 5, Red Deer RCMP responded to a break-in at Millerdale Pharmacy, located at 5201 43 Street. The thieves broke the glass window to gain entry, broke into the narcotics safe and stole an undisclosed amount of narcotics before leaving by the back door. Police Dog Services also attended the scene but were not able to locate a track the dog could follow.

Surveillance photos of pharmacy thieves

Millerdale Pharmacy has been broken into three times in 2014. RCMP are actively investigating, but it is not clear at this time if the incidents are related or not.

Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying this suspect 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

Fatal MVC in Wetaskiwin

RCMP Wetaskiwin City

On October 9, 2014 at 9:08 am Wetaskiwin RCMP were dispatched to fatal motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 814 in Wetaskiwin. Wetaskiwin EMS, Fire Services, Wetaskiwin County, and Wetaskiwin RCMP members assisted at this scene.

Initial investigation shows that an East bound Ford F250 truck with utility trailer attempted to pass a stationary SUV turning North onto Hwy 814. The F250 entered into the westbound lane, colliding with a westbound Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Corolla attempted to avoid the collision but was not successful.  The collision left Corolla extremely damaged and two occupants trapped inside.

The Jaws of Life were used to extricate the occupants from the Corolla, however the 36 year old male driver died as a result of his injuries. The female passenger was transported by EMS to the Wetaskwin Hospital with undisclosed injuries.  Both are from B.C.

The driver of the F250 was also transported by EMS to the Wetaskiwin Hospital and has been treated and released.

The matter is currently under investigation by the Wetaskiwin RCMP detachment and the Red Deer Collision Re-constructionist unit; no charges have been laid at this time.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this collision. Further information will be released once it becomes available.
LRPS lays charges in two recent home invasions

Lethbridge Regional Police have charged multiple people in relation to two separate, unrelated home invasions.

On October 1, 2014 police responded to a report of a male suffering from stab wounds. Investigation determined that three masked males entered a home along the 2400 block of 18 Street North and confronted a 24-year-old man. A physical altercation ensued and the man sustained knife wounds and was repeatedly punched and kicked. The subjects then fled the home and the victim attended the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Investigation determined that prior to the assault on the 24-year-old man the three masked subjects had attended the residence earlier in the day and unlawfully confined three other occupants while they searched the home for the victim who was not present at that time.

This was a targeted incident, not a random crime.  Following investigation the three subjects were identified and later arrested.

Mathew Devon Smith, 23, of Picture Butte, is charged with:

• Assault causing bodily harm
• Housebreaking and commit robbery
• Housebreaking and commit threats
• Unlawful confinement
• Disguised
• Use of a firearm while attempting to commit an indictable offence
• Possession of an offensive weapon
• Assault with a weapon X2

Randy Albert Matson, 24, of Lethbridge, is charged with:

• Assault causing bodily harm
• Housebreaking and commit robbery
• Housebreaking and commit threats
• Unlawful confinement
• Disguised
• Use of a firearm while attempting to commit an indictable offence
• Possession of an offensive weapon
• Assault with a weapon X2

Michael Paul Lorenz Hiesinger, 29, of Lethbridge, is charged with housebreaking and commit assault and Disguised.

The three men made first court appearances this week.

On October 3 at approximately 5:41 p.m. police responded to a report of home invasion and assault of a 24-year-old woman. Investigation determined that a male and female had entered a home along the 1300 block of 16 Street North and confronted a female occupant. The 24-year-old woman was subsequently assaulted and threatened before the subjects fled the area.

Following investigation the subjects were identified and arrested later in the evening.

This was a targeted incident that is drug-related.

Patrick Junior Rodney, 25, of Coaldale, is charged with extortion and uttering threats to cause damage to property. He made his first court appearance this week.

Candace Darlene Walker, 39, of Lethbridge, is charged with assault and extortion. She is scheduled to appear in court October 14.

Leashed dog killed in Okotoks crosswalk

Okotoks RCMP

On October 9th shortly after 8:00 a.m. an Okotoks man was walking his dog towards Big Rock Trail. He stopped at the corner of Southridge Drive and waited for the pedestrian light. When the "walk" sign lit, he started across the Street with his small dog on a leash. A woman turning left onto Southridge Drive struck and killed the dog.

The woman has been charged with Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a Crosswalk.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed this incident, or any crime to contact the Okotoks Detachment at (403) 938-4202 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

High River man arrested for assault and theft

High River RCMP

During the early morning hours of Sunday, October 5 High River RCMP received a complaint of an assault near the Sunrise Terrace Apartments in High River.  During the course of this investigation, the Police located the offender at another southeast residence and took him in custody.  While in the home, Police also found a small quantity of stolen property which included personal identification taken from vehicle prowling over the past couple of weeks.  The accused was released on an Undertaking with conditions, and he is identified as Jesse Hoffman age 24 of no fixed address.  Hoffman is scheduled to appear in Court on November 28, 2014 to answer to 6 charges in total, including assault, possession of stolen property and possession of break-in instruments and 3 counts of fail to comply with a Recognizance.

 

The RCMP would like to remind people to keep their vehicle doors locked when unattended, and are asking if anyone has been a victim of a recent car prowling, which were unreported, to please contact the Police at 403-652-2357

Hit and run sends High River longboarder to hospital

Red Deer RCMP are searching for the driver of a vehicle that hit a longboarder on northbound Gaetz (49th) Avenue in the area of 39 Street, just before the Tim Hortons. The hit and run occurred at approximately 5:00 am on October 4. The vehicle that struck the 21 year old man did not stop at the scene. Witnesses came upon the victim lying on the sidewalk, called 911 and attempted to administer first aid while waiting for the ambulance.

The victim was taken to Red Deer Regional Hospital and later airlifted to Calgary Foothills Hospital via Stars Air Ambulance, where he remains, being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP ask anyone who may have information about this hit and run 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

Saving lives during Operation Impact

Airdrie RCMP

October 10-13, 2014 will mark Operation Impact, a national campaign to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

This special weekend is a police initiative designed to remind people that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our roadways. Educating the public in safe driving practices is a priority. The focus will be on behaviours that put drivers, passengers and other road users most at risk: impaired driving, seat belt use, and all aspects related to aggressive and distracted driving. All enforcement agencies across the country have been invited to participate.

“Every year families are torn apart by the death or serious injury of a loved one, due to impaired driving and unsafe driving practices.” Cst. Jason CURTIS, Airdrie RCMP

Police agencies across the country are collaborating on this project because they have seen more than enough of that, and because they know that the involvement of the driving public is essential to achieve safer streets and highways."

This initiative has been strategically chosen, as it is a significant long weekend. More people are travelling and traffic crashes are more frequent.

In Canada every year there are numerous deaths serious injuries related to vehicle collisions. Each incident represents moms, dads, sisters, brothers, loved ones, co-workers, neighbours. It is unacceptable to the Airdrie RCMP. That is why, in support of Operation Impact, we will be performing Alberta Checkstops looking for impaired drivers, as well as traffic enforcement operations to ensure safe driving practices.

Operation Impact is sponsored by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and member agencies of the CACP Traffic Committee from across Canada in support of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2015, which has a goal of making Canada's roads the safest in the world by 2015

"Dedicated to improving public safety on our roadways."

Youth charged with theft from St. Albert McDonald's

St. Albert RCMP

On September 19, 2014 at approximately 8:00 pm a manager at the north location of McDonald's restaurant reported that a youth had stolen approximately 40 food serving trays from the business. The approximate value of the stolen trays was $400.00.

St. Albert RCMP examined the video surveillance from the business, obtained photos of the suspect and was following leads to identify this person. On September 25, 2014, alert McDonald's staff called the RCMP to say that the same suspect was back at the restaurant. The suspect was arrested by the RCMP and has been charged. The trays have now been returned to the restaurant.

A 16 year old male resident of St. Albert has been charged with one count of Section 334 - Theft under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code and will be appearing in St. Albert Youth Court on November 4, 2014.

"As a result of a dishonest and irresponsible choice, this young person may receive a criminal record which can restrict his travel and job perspectives in the future," said Cpl. Laurel Kading.

EPS encourages parents to talk to kids about stranger danger

Edmonton Police Service

As the long-weekend approaches, the Edmonton Police Service is encouraging parents to talk to kids about stranger danger.

“A number of students have been reporting suspicious persons near schools,” says Const. Jeff Salmon, with Southeast Division. “Students are already doing the right thing: running away and reporting it to school administrators. We want parents to talk to their children and remind them not to talk to strangers.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 at approximately 10 a.m. police responded to a complaint of a suspicious person in the area of 81 Avenue and 75 Street.  An unknown male suspect allegedly followed a 13-year-old girl in his truck from an alley near her home to her school. It was reported the suspect tried to initiate general conversation a couple times but the girl continued to ignore the suspect and reported it to school officials immediately.

The suspect is described as a darker skin male in his late 20's - early 30's. He was clean shaven with a small soul patch and has short dark brown hair. He was wearing tinted eye glasses, a green-grey zip up hoody, with a possible dice symbol tattoo on his right hand. 

The suspect vehicle is described as an older dark green Chevrolet, two-door pick-up truck with rust around wheel wells.

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 at approximately 12:30 p.m. a grade five student of an elementary school in southeast Edmonton was outside during recess and was allegedly approached by an unknown male. It is reported the suspect told the child he was sent by his parents to pick him up from school. The student said he was going to tell a teacher and ran away to report the incident.

The suspect was described as a Caucasian male, 18 to 25-years-old with short dark brown hair. The suspect was wearing a white ball cap, green hoodie, and wearing a pair of black leather gloves. The suspect drove away in a rusty and dirty white four door pick-up truck.

In both incidents, police responded and canvassed the immediate area however, did not locate a suspect. 

“Remember these three words: No. Go. Tell.” says Salmon. “Say NO to strangers. GO to a safe place. TELL someone you trust.”

Anyone who has information about these suspects is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm