Policing in Alberta to October 18, 2014

Missing Cold Lake teen FOUND

Red Deer ATB robber sought (update)

Perfume theft in St. Albert

Edmonton Pastor charged with child porn offences
$50,000 oil field tool recovered
Injury collision on Highway 2
Vandal floods mall in St. Albert
Pedestrian vs. Vehicle: What Do You Know?
Fugitive Lance James Peters apprehended
Gleichan RCMP officer faces criminal charges

2 youths charged for armed robbery in Red Deer
Fender bender on Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek

Commercial B&E in Brooks
Red Deer RCMP arrest impaired driver after near-collisions
Second suspect charged in March Edmonton homicide
Record hashish seizure by ALERT
Canada appalled by attack on UN Peacekeepers
Skyway Foundation of Canada charity registration revoked

Red Deer ATB robber sought (update)

Red Deer RCMP now have surveillance photos and a more detailed description of the clothing worn by the male suspect responsible for robbing the ATB Financial located in Bower Place Shopping Centre parking lot at approximately 12:50 pm yesterday October 17 in Red Deer. No one was injured during the robbery.

Red Deer robbery suspect

The suspect is described as:

• Caucasian
• 5’5” tall
• Approximatel
• Wearing a bright red or pink jacket, black and white checkered pants and white shoesy 175 lbs
• Pale skin with flushed red cheeks 

RCMP will send updates as new information becomes available.

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

Perfume theft in St. Albert

On October 8, 2014, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a male adult grabbed an unknown quantity of perfume and cologne from the counter in the Shoppers Drug Mart store located near the Sturgeon hospital in St. Albert, Alberta. The suspect ran out of the store with the stolen merchandise and jumped into a white construction truck that had a gasoline slip tank in the back.  To date, the RCMP have not been able to identify the suspect, so a picture of the suspect is being released to the public.

Perfume theft suspect

St. Albert RCMP is looking for your help on this crime. If you can identify this suspect or if you have any information about this or any crime, call the St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700, or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers.  At Crime Stoppers, you do not need to reveal your identity. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display, Call Trace or tape any phone calls. If your information leads to an arrest, you qualify for a cash award up to $2,000.00.  We want your tip, not your name. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Edmonton Pastor charged with child porn offences

ALERT

An Edmonton church pastor has been charged with child pornography offences following an investigation by Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).  ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation unit has charged Richard John Docekal, 58, with possession and distribution of child pornography. At the time of the investigation Docekal was a pastor with All Saints Lutheran Church in Edmonton.

Docekal was arrested and charged on October 9th. ICE forensic analysts are currently in the process of analyzing a number of computer and mobile devices that were seized.

The investigation remains on-going and anyone who may have additional information on this or any other child exploitation offence is encouraged to contact their local police, Crime Stoppers or Cybertip.ca.

The ICE investigation began in early September after a tip from the public was received.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Nearly 400 municipal police, RCMP, and sheriffs work in ALERT.

$50,000 oil field tool recovered

Grande Prairie RCMP

Sometime during the weekend of October 4, 2014 an oil field tool, Digi Trak F (Direction Drilling Location System worth approximately $50,000.00) was stolen out of a company vehicle that was parked at a business located in the city's west industrial park.

The item was advertised locally for sale and was noticed by one of the drilling companies employees who reported it to police. As a result of the ensuing investigation the item was recovered and a 34 year old Grande Prairie man is facing several Criminal Code charges including Possession of Stolen Property over $5,000.00. He remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Injury collision on Highway 2

Airdrie ITU
On Friday, October 17 at 5:42 AM, members of the Airdrie Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) and the Airdrie Rural RCMP were dispatched to a collision in the southbound lanes of Highway 2, between the Highway 566 (Balzac) overpass and Stoney Trail. Upon arrival, officers determined that a cyclist had been traveling southbound on Highway 2, when he was struck from behind by a Ford E-150 full size van.

The cyclist, a male in his mid-thirties, sustained injuries as a result of the collision and was transported to hospital in Calgary. The driver of the van was not injured in the collision.

Road conditions at the time of the collision were dry and clear. Two lanes of Highway 2 at the location were closed for approximately 90 minutes to allow the RCMP Collision Analyst to collect required evidence. All travel lanes have since been reopened.

Vandal floods mall in St. Albert

St. Albert RCMP

On September 27, 2014, St. Albert Fire Services and St. Albert RCMP were called to the Grandin Mall to investigate vandalism caused by water. Someone had turned on a water pipe in the mall and had left the water running which flooded the Force on Force Tactical Business located in the basement of the mall underneath the Scotia Bank. Force on Force Tactical had about 30 centimetres of water in their business and were estimating approximately $20,000.00 damage to the premises.

Pedestrian vs. Vehicle: What Do You Know?

Members of the Wood Buffalo RCMP and Bylaw Services will be conducting a joint effort to promote safety on our roadways with a strong emphasize on crosswalk and intersection related offences. Both Peace and Police Officers will be paying extra attention to these various types of infractions that unfortunately occur daily within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Education is a key component to ensure safety. Are you aware of the following offences?

• “Fail to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk” is an offence under Section 41(1) of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. Offenders can expect a fine of $575.00 along with 4 demerit points.
• Section 7.03 D of the Roads and Transportation Bylaw for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo states “No Person Shall Stop or Park a Vehicle Within Ten (10) Metres of the Approach to a Crosswalk.” The fine for doing so is $120.00
• It is an offence under Section 36(3) of the Alberta Traffic Safety Act to “Fail to Yield Right of Way to a Pedestrian at Ally Entrance”. The fine is $115.00 plus 3 demerit points.

It is also incumbent on pedestrians to practice safe measures, just because you have a crossing signal at an intersection, don’t assume vehicles can see you. Pedestrians should always look both ways before entering a crosswalk and continue to scan while crossing. This also applies to intersections and ally entrances where there are no marked crosswalks.

Fugitive Lance James Peters apprehended

Edmonton Police Service

On 2014-10-16 in the early morning hours, Edmonton Police Service arrested fugitive Lance James PETERS. PETERS was a passenger in a motor vehicle at the time of arrest and was arrested without incident. PETERS has been brought before a Justice of the Peace and will remain in custody to face a long list of charges stemming from his Central Alberta Crime Spree. To date, he has been charged with 43 criminal code charges and more charges may be pending. A list of these charges is as follows:

• Break and Enter and commit indictable offence X 9
• Assault with Weapon
• Theft of Vehicle X 6
• Illegal possession of Firearm in a vehicle
• Flight from police X 2
• Dangerous Driving X 4
• Robbery X 2
• Mischief
• Theft
• Utter Threats X 2
• Possess controlled substance (CDSA) X 3
• Possess stolen property X 2
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Resist Arrest
• Fail to remain at scene of collision
• Fail to appear in court
• Fail to comply with conditions of recognizance X 5

Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House and Innisfail RCMP Detachments would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their assistance in this matter. The interest generated from the prior press release no doubt had an impact on Mr. Peters actions in the time that followed and assisted police in his capture. As well, a thanks goes out to the Edmonton Police Service who apprehended Mr. Peters.

PETERS' next court appearance for the Central Alberta charges is set for Friday October 24th, 2014 at the Red Deer Provincial Court House. Due to the many jurisdictions involved, PETERS has several more court appearances scheduled in different Court locations throughout the province.

Background: Portion of October 12 RCMP report:

On Saturday night (October 11) at 11:15 pm, Sylvan Lake RCMP conducted a routine traffic stop on a Dodge Ram truck in Sylvan Lake near the CP Blakely School. The driver of the truck lied to police about his name but his true identity was later confirmed. As police attempted an arrest on this male for numerous outstanding warrants, the suspect fled the scene in the Dodge truck narrowly missing an officer on foot and then ramming a police vehicle to escape. As a result, a Pursuit was initiated which went through Sylvan Lake and then north on Highway 20 towards Bentley. The pursuit was eventually terminated by police as the risk to the public was deemed to be too great.

Gleichan RCMP officer faces criminal charges

Gleichen RCMP

On October 16, 2014, Constable Depagie of Gleichen RCMP was charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm, sec. 267 (b) of the Criminal Code and Unlawful Confinement, section 279(2) of the Criminal Code. He will make his first appearance in Siksika Nation, Provincial Court on November 6, 2014.

The charges were laid as a result of a public complaint received by the Gleichen Detachment, which alleged assault causing bodily harm and unlawful confinement in relation to an arrest in November 2013.

His duty status is under review.

Charges laid against 2 youths for Red Deer armed robbery

Red Deer RCMP

Thanks to the widespread sharing of suspect photos by the media and the public, Red Deer RCMP have identified and charged the two males responsible for the armed robbery that took place on September 5 at the downtown 7-Eleven in Red Deer. Two 15 year old boys have been arrested.

The two young offenders cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. One has been charged with one count of Armed robbery with a weapon – Criminal Code 343(d) and will appear in court at 9:30 am on October 30, 2014 at Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer. The second has been charged with one count of Robbery – Criminal Code 344(1)(b) and will appear in court at 9:30 am on October 23, 2014 at Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer.

Fender bender on Waterton Ave. Pincher Creek

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek Rescue and Ambulance responded to a multi-vehicle accident on Waterton Avenue (Highway 6) near Westcastle Motel the morning of Tuesday, October 14. According to PCES Chief Dave Cox it was a minor incident with no injuries, and crews helped clean up some of the fluids that leaked onto the road from the vehicles. On October 16, just after noon, Pincher Creek Emergency Services, primarily Lundbreck Fire , also responded to a small grass fire approximately 30 km north of Highway 3 on Highway 22, north of Maycroft.  The situation was quickly resolved.

Commercial B&E in Brooks

Brooks RCMP are currently investigating a break and enter to a local business located on 6 Street East in Brooks that occurred on Sunday, October 12th, 2014 at approximately 10:00 PM. A silver Honda Civic followed by a silver Dodge Dakota were seen fleeing the seen south on 6th Street East. It is unclear if those vehicles were involved in the break and enter but police are attempting to locate the occupants of those vehicles for questioning.

Brooks RCMP are requesting the assistance of the public to identify the person(s) responsible for this assault please contact Brooks RCMP Detachment at (403) 794-4400, or Brooks & District Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222 TIPS (8477), or visit the at www.brookscrimestoppers.com

Red Deer RCMP arrest impaired driver after near-collisions

RCMP are looking for witnesses to a series of near-collisions that occurred on 51 Avenue. Shortly after midnight on October 16, a member of the Red Deer RCMP who was patrolling in a marked police car saw a black SUV driving northbound on 51 Avenue, which is a southbound one-way street, in the area of 53 Street. The vehicle was being driven in an erratic manner and, when RCMP initiated the police car’s emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle sped up. It narrowly missed hitting several oncoming vehicles and hit the curb before continuing on at a high rate of speed.

Due to public safety concerns, RCMP did not initiate a pursuit but tracked the vehicle at a distance as it continued north. The SUV entered the Glendale neighbourhood, where it struck a parked flatbed trailer and overturned. Neither the female driver nor the male passenger were injured in the rollover.

RCMP took a 25 year old woman from Sylvan Lake into custody and will release an update including her name and the charges she faces once the charges have been sworn before the court.

Red Deer RCMP have charged 25 year old Tamara Lynn Blair of Sylvan Lake with five offences in conjunction with a series of near-collisions in the early morning hours of October 16; the incident ended with the suspect vehicle hitting a parked trailer and rolling over.

Tamara Blair has been charged with:

• Criminal Code 249.1(1) – Fail to stop/ evade peace officer
• Criminal Code 249(1)(a) – Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Criminal Code 253(1)(a) – Impaired operation of a motor vehicle
• Criminal Code 253(1)(b) – Impaired care or control of motor vehicle over .08
• Criminal Code 259(4) – Operate motor vehicle while disqualified

Tamara Blair will appear in court at 9:30 am on October 20, 2014 at at Alberta Provincial Court in Red Deer.

RCMP continue to look for witnesses to these events. Witnesses are asked to call Constable Ryan Kinney of the Red Deer RCMP at 403.406.2300. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com

Second suspect charged in March Edmonton homicide

The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section has laid charges against the second suspect wanted in relation to the homicide Ashley John George Macneil, 34, who died from a stab wound on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

Stephanie Pricilla Laderoute, 34, was charged with second degree murder and accessory after the fact. She was arrested by EPS patrol officers on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014 on an outstanding warrant.

Background                                                                

The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section has laid charges in relation to the death of Ashley John George Macneil, 34, who died from a stab wound in a parking lot in the area of 168 Street and 118 Avenue on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.

“It appears Macneil had just recently returned from Nova Scotia to work in Alberta and unfortunately lost his life when a drug deal went bad,” says Det. Dan Collins with Homicide Section. “A team of EPS homicide investigators have been working hard over the last six months to collect substantial evidence to lay charges against two suspects.”

On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, homicide detectives charged Daryle Victor Kidder, 36, with second degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and breach of recognizance. Kidder remains in custody and is awaiting a bail hearing.

Investigations reveal that an altercation took place in the parking lot between two men just after 2 a.m. this morning, which led to one of the males being stabbed. The stabbing victim was treated at the scene but died a short time later in hospital.

Record hashish seizure by ALERT

ALERT

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) has made the largest hashish seizure in Alberta. Thirty kilograms of hashish, valued at $600,000, was seized in Edmonton.

ALERT Edmonton, an integrated team made up of the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, and Alberta Sheriffs, made the seizure on October 1st. The hashish, packaged and pressed in 30 one-kilogram bricks, was located in a west Edmonton storage locker. ALERT also seized six pounds of marihuana and $5,000 cash.

The investigation was initiated thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip from the public. Members of the public can report suspected drug or gang activity anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Craig Bendt Matthiessen, a 49-year-old Edmonton man, was at the location of the storage locker. He has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of a controlled substance, and possession of proceeds of crime.

Hashish is a form of marihuana produced by collecting and compressing the plant. The Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are the main sources of hashish. ALERT has experienced an increase in hashish seizures, which is mainly attributable the proliferation of e-cigarettes.

Since ALERT was formed in 2006, teams from across the province have taken upwards of $550 million worth of drugs off the street. In the past five months ALERT has achieved several Alberta-record seizures including:

• heroin – 14 kilograms, valued at $5.6 million (Jun. 4, 2014);
• marihuana - 292 kilograms, valued at $2.9 million (Jun. 4, 2014);
• steroids – 365,268 tablets, 10,583 vials, 1,374 powder, valued at $9.3 million (Sep. 25, 2014);
• hashish – 30 kilograms valued at $600,000 (Oct. 1, 2014). 

Canada appalled by attack on UN Peacekeepers

Government of Canada

The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is appalled by a deliberate attack that has resulted in the deaths of three peacekeepers from Ethiopia, who were serving in the United Nations-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). This brings the total number of peacekeepers killed this month alone to 15, making this one of the deadliest months for global UN peace support operations so far.

“These individuals voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way in an effort to help provide some stability and security for the most vulnerable. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my sincerest condolences to the friends and families of those who lost their lives in the attack, and I call on the authorities to act swiftly to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

“This attack further demonstrates the increasingly dangerous conditions facing today’s peace efforts and the great price that is being paid as a result of the ongoing conflict in Darfur. Canada calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Darfur and for an all-inclusive national dialogue that will result in concrete steps in addressing the problems in Sudan.”

Skyway Foundation of Canada charity registration revoked

October 17, 2014, Ontario Canada Revenue Agency

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will revoke the registration of the Skyway Foundation of Canada, a charity based in Bolton, Ontario. The notice of revocation will be published in the Canada Gazette, with an effective date of October 18, 2014.

On September 2, 2014, and in accordance with subsection 168(1) of the Income Tax Act, the CRA issued a notice of intention to revoke the registration of the Skyway Foundation of Canada as a charity. The letter stated, in part, that:

“[…] the audit revealed that in 2008 the Organization receipted donations of shares from OSE Corporation totaling approximately $2.6 million. During 2008 the share price of OSE Corporation increased dramatically in value and, subsequently, lost much of this value by early 2009.[…]"

During 2008, a private group of taxpayers engaged in transactions designed to artificially inflate the value of publicly traded shares. These shares were subsequently donated to the Organization which, in turn, issued official donation receipts totaling approximately $2.6 million. Subsequent to the donation, in 2009, these shares lost nearly 95% of their value resulting in a substantial loss to the Organization. It is the position of the CRA that the transfers for which the official receipts were issued did not legally qualify as gifts and that the Organization operated for the non-charitable purpose of facilitating the tax planning arrangement.”

An organization that has had its registration as a charity revoked can no longer issue donation receipts for income tax purposes and is no longer a qualified donee under the Income Tax Act. The organization is no longer exempt from income tax, unless it qualifies as a non-profit organization, and it may be subject to a tax equal to the full value of its remaining assets. 

Registered charities perform valuable work in our communities, and Canadians support this work in many ways. The vast majority of Canadians and registered charities are honest and comply with the law. However, there are those individuals and organizations who seek to exploit the generous tax incentives the government has put in place to support charitable giving. The CRA regulates registered charities through the Income Tax Act and is committed to ensuring that they operate in compliance with the law. When a registered charity is found not to comply with its legal obligations, the CRA may revoke its registration under the Income Tax Act.

For more information about the registration of Canadian charities or to find out more about a registered charity, go to the CRA’s Charities and Giving Web page at www.cra.gc.ca/charities.

Quick facts

• As of December 31, 2013, there were 86,617 registered charities across Canada, up from 86,159 on December 31, 2012.
• A copy of the notice of intention to revoke and other letters relating to the grounds for revocation are available to the public on request, in the language they were originally written, by calling 1‑800‑267‑2384. 

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