Policing in Alberta to October 22, 2014

Edmonton Police Officer victim of hit and run

Richmond homicide victim had AB gang connections
Email scam costs senior $6500
Spruce Grove boys charged with vandalism spree

Rockyview County chop shop shuttered
Spruce Grove man faces multiple charges

Arrest made in homicide of New Brunswick man
Millarville home robbed
Bomb threat in St. Paul

Huge trafficking bust in Strathcona County
Autopsy: Edmonton man died of stab wounds
Calgary man struck by CTrain
Death of a Canadian Armed Forces Member

End of lockdown and search at Edmonton Institution
Assault of an inmate at Drumheller Institution
New measure to enhance cross-border public safety

Edmonton Police Officer victim of hit and run

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen 2015 silver or light blue Lexus RX350 SUV believed to have struck a police officer yesterday afternoon.

Downtown Division patrol members were responding to a reported fraud at a financial institution near 118 Avenue and 79 Street at approximately 4:40 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014.

Police officers quickly spotted the suspect vehicle backing into a parking stall outside of  the financial institution and positioned their police cruiser directly facing the suspect vehicle. Standing beside the police cruiser, an officer then instructed a male suspect to step out of the vehicle, when the male suspect is alleged to have accelerated striking the front of the cruiser and the leg of the member.

The officer was treated for minor injuries on scene. 

The officers were subsequently able to successfully identify and arrest a female suspect, who allegedly attempted to cash a fraudulent cheque inside the financial institution. Charges are pending. 

The male suspect is described as being a clean cut, Caucasian male with blue eyes, likely in his 30s. 

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the suspect or the stolen Lexus with the licence plate number of CUL418  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

Richmond homicide victim had Alberta gang connections

Richmond RCMP/IHIT
The homicide victim found in the 3400 block of Regina Avenue in Richmond, BC on October 2nd has been positively identified as 25 year old Theoren Gregory POITRAS. POITRAS was a resident of Richmond at the time of his death and was known to police in Alberta for his involvement in gang activity. At this early stage in the investigation, the reasons for his death remain a mystery but police have identified people of interest in this case. His cause of death will not be released at this time.

Theoren Poitras

“IHIT (lower mainland Integrated Homicide Team) can say that evidence retrieved so far supports that this was a targeted homicide” says Sgt. EMAM of IHIT.

IHIT is looking for information from anyone who may have been in the area of Talmey Elementary School in Richmond BC between 11:30 p.m on October 1st, 2014 and 01:30 a.m., on October, 2nd, 2014 who observed any suspicious persons, vehicle or circumstances to please call the IHIT Tipline at 1-877-551-4448 by email at ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a tip on their website at Solvecrime.ca.

Email scam costs senior $6500

A Parkland County senior has fallen prey to an online scam that resulted in a $6500.00 loss.

The elderly gentleman received an email indicating he had won 1.5 million dollars in a lottery, but needed to pay a sum of money in advance because of a delay at Customs.  The victim spoke to a woman who identified herself as an RCMP officer.  He sent $6500.00 via Western Union to the Philippines, and immediately received another call insisting he send another $7000.00.  He did not comply with this second request.

Police would like to remind the public that if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is!  There is no such thing as winning a prize that requires money be sent in advance.  People are never notified of winning by email, and should never have to disclose their personal financial information.

There are many more resources available at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or toll free at 1-888-495-8501.  They even have an online reporting tool for frauds.

The Competition Bureau's "Little Black Book of Scams" provides valuable information for Canadian consumers, www.competitionbureau.gc.ca

Spruce Grove boys charged with vandalism spree

Spruce Grove RCMP

Two Spruce Grove youth have been charged after a destructive spree throughout the city that lasted for nearly a month.

On September 17th, these two boys were arrested by police at 3:00 am, after attempting to light a porta-potty afire near Woodhaven School and smashing up a nearby truck.   A plethora of further complaints ensued, and police continued to gather intelligence and interview witnesses.

On October 9th, police were able to lay charges relating to 11 additional counts of mischief.  These all occurred throughout the Millgrove and Woodhaven neighbourhoods of Spruce Grove.

The youth stole a set of golf clubs from an unlocked vehicle, and proceeded to smash windows of vehicles along their way, culminating with smashing some windows at Millgrove School.  They also defaced property with graffiti markings.

These activities were all occurring during the night-time hours, when most residents were sleeping.

Both boys were released from custody, and will be appearing in Stony Plain Youth Court on November 21st.

Rockyview County chop shop shuttered

RCMP Southern Alberta District

RCMP Auto Theft Section  in conjunction with Calgary Police Service Auto Theft concluded a three month investigation on a rural chop shop.  The stolen property was being stored in a Quonset near Conrich, in the Rockyview County.  The stolen property has  an approximated value of $ 250,000.00.  The stolen property which has been recovered includes, Vehicles,  ATV’s, Travel Trailers, Farm Equipment and saddles.

On October 18, 2014, the RCMP's auto theft unit, with assistance from the Strathmore detachment and Calgary police service Auto theft arrested 74 year old Richard Ferber of Black Diamond, Alberta and 68 year old Harris Parent of Calgary.

Ferber has been charged with one count of Possession of Stolen Property for the Purpose of Trafficking and eleven counts of Possession of Stolen Property.  He was release on a Recognizance and will make his first appearance in Strathmore Provincial Court on December 12, 2014.  At the time of the arrests, Richard Ferber was bound by a Court Document, his has been remanded in Custody until his first appearance.

Harris Parent has been charged with one count of Possession of Stolen property  and will make his first appearance in Strathmore Provincial Court on December 16, 2014.

Spruce Grove man faces multiple charges

Spruce Grove RCMP

A man has ended up in jail after police recovered a sawed off shotgun.  21 year old Michael Thomas Nelson of Spruce Grove is facing a multitude of charges resulting from this recent incident.

On October 15th, the Spruce Grove/Stony Plain RCMP Target Team executed a search warrant on a Spruce Grove residence.  Michael Nelson was arrested inside the residence, on warrants stemming from an incident in June of this year, where he is alleged to have Tasered a man at a Spruce Grove residence.  From the June incident, Nelson has seven outstanding charges, including:

• assault with a weapon x 3
• possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace x 2
• breach of condition x 2

After searching the residence, RCMP officers located two knives, 15 live shotgun rounds, and a "sawed-off" shotgun.

The new charges Michael Nelson faces include:

• unauthorized possession of a firearm (sawed-off shotgun), s. 91 Criminal Code
• possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (sawed-off shotgun), s. 88 Criminal Code
• breach of condition (was not to possess anything that could reasonably be used as a weapon, ie-shotgun), s. 145 Criminal Code
• breach of condition (was not to possess anything that could reasonably be used as a weapon, ie knives), s. 145 Criminal Code

He is currently in custody, and will be making his first appearance in Stony Plain Provincial Court on Wednesday, October 22nd.

RCMP makes an arrest in homicide of New Brunswick man

Spruce Grove / Stony Plain RCMP

On October 17, 2014, RCMP Major Crimes Unit have made an arrest in the homicide of Allen Neil Wilson, an 18-year old man from New Brunswick, who's remains had been found along the Yellowhead Highway on September 21, 2014, West of Stony Plain, Alberta.

Garrett Micheal Oshvalda, a 55-year-old man from Stony Plain, was arrested without incident and charged with 2nd degree murder contrary to section 235(1) CC and Neglect of Duty - Dead Body, contrary to section 182(a) CC in relation to this investigation.

Allen Wilson and the accused, Oshvalda, knew each other.

Oshvalda was remanded in custody to appear in Stony Plain Provincial Court on October 22, 2014.


Millarville home robbed

Turner Valley RCMP

On Friday October 17th, 2014 during daytime hours, a residence in Millarville was entered through an unlocked door and several items were taken including 4 unsecured firearms, a laptop computer, a digital camera, jewellery, and several pairs of women's shoes size 5.

A nearby business noted seeing a '90s-era  grey Jeep Cherokee 4-door SUV with three individuals inside who seemed out of place. One of whom was found milling about behind a local business before being questioned by shop employees.

Possible suspects are described as:

Male 1 - late 30's, 5'6" to 5'8" in height, slim build, red coloured hair, "wonky" right eye with glasses, wearing t-shirt and jeans.

Male 2 - mid 30's, slim build, dark hair.

Female 1 - early 30's, 5'6", slim build, dark hair, mole on left side of her face, wearing skirt with high heels.

Police are reminding the public to take necessary steps in protecting their personal belongings by locking their doors and securing their valuables.  Please ensure when you see suspicious persons or activity to contact your local police department.

Bomb threat in St. Paul

St. Paul RCMP

On October 20, 2014, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a bomb threat was called in to the Value Drug Mart in St. Paul.  The store had recently moved to a new location, and the threat came to the previous address, which had since been taken over by another business.  Members from the St. Paul RCMP evacuated the area and the neighbouring businesses, and the St. Paul Fire Department was placed on standby.  The Explosives Disposal Unit from K Division was contacted and direction was received on searching the business.  At 3:49 p.m., the business was deemed safe and employees from the surrounding businesses were allowed to return.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.  St. Paul RCMP is seeking public assistance and request that anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect(s) contact Cpl. KUEHN from the St. Paul RCMP at 780 645-8870.

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, tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $2000.00.

Huge trafficking bust in Strathcona County

The Strathcona County RCMP Drug Unit has arrested four individuals after a two week long investigation into the trafficking of a variety of drugs in Strathcona County including Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, GHB, Ketamine, Marihuana and counterfeit Oxycontin pills containing  Fentanyl.

As a result, RCMP, assisted by Strathcona County Police Dog Services and the Edmonton Police Tactical Team, executed search warrants on October 17, 2014 at two separate residential addresses in Edmonton.  Police discovered the following suspected illegal drugs and weapons:

- approximately 500 grams of Soft Cocaine
- approximately 80 grams of Crack Cocaine
- approximately 700 grams of Methamphetamine
- approximately 30 grams of Heroin
- approximately 73 grams of Hash oil
- approximately 311 grams of Ketamine
- approximately 7200 milliliters of GHB
- approximately 260 pills of counterfeit Oxycontin pills containing Fentanyl.
- approximately 2.5 grams of Marihuana
- 1 machete
- assorted types of firearm ammunition

Also located and seized was approximately $12,320.00 cash and drug paraphernalia related to drug trafficking.

Tyler GRAHAM, age 26, of Edmonton was arrested without incident (at one of the residences) and has been charged with:

- Six counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
- Nine counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- One count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000
- One count of Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
- One count of Possession of Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

Jessie SHAVER, age 24, of Edmonton was arrested without incident (at one of the residences) and has been charged with:

- Three counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
- Seven counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- One count of Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to the Public
- One count of Possession of Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order

Scott EWEN, age 32, of Edmonton was arrested without incident (at one of the residences) and has been charged with:

- Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- One count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000
- One Count of Possession of a Controlled Substance

Michelle BELLA, age 23 , of Edmonton was arrested and has been charged with:

- One count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance
- Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
- One count of Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5000

BELLA was not located at either of the residences but turned herself into Police later that same day.

All four individuals were taken before a Justice of the Peace. GRAHAM, SHAVER and EWEN were remanded into custody. BELLA was released on $2500 cash bail with numerous conditions. All four are scheduled to appear in Sherwood Park Provincial Court on Wednesday October 22, 2014 at 09:30 a.m.

At the time of their arrest GRAHAM, SHAVER and EWEN were released on Parole for previous criminal convictions. The Parole Board of Canada was contacted and subsequently revoked the parole of the three males.

"Even though the search warrants were executed at residences in Edmonton, the accused individuals were very active in trafficking and selling illegal drugs in Strathcona County", says Cst. Elissa Purvis of the Strathcona County RCMP. "Due to the hard work and dedication of the Strathcona County RCMP Drug Unit, the involved individuals were identified and apprehended,  resulting in a large quantity of illegal drugs being taken off of the streets.

Strathcona County RCMP would like to remind and encourage all residents to call the 24 hour drug tip line at 780-410-4357 to report any type of drug activity in our community. You will remain anonymous and do not need to reveal your identity when providing information.

Autopsy: Edmonton man died of stab wounds

Edmonton Police Service

Autopsy results confirm that a 22-year-old Edmonton man died Saturday, as a result of a stab wound.

The Medical Examiner confirmed that Michael McNeill, 22, died from a stab wound sustained during an altercation with another male in a suite near 107 Avenue and 116 Street on Oct. 18, 2014. The manner of death was determined to be a homicide.

Cody Ross Larson, of Edmonton, was taken into custody Saturday morning and has since been charged with second-degree murder and possession of a weapon.

Calgary man struck by CTrain

The Calgary Police Service continues to investigate a collision earlier today between a pedestrian and a CTrain.

At approximately 8:20 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, police were called to Macleod Trail and 25 Avenue S.W. for reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a train.

Investigators believe a 53-year-old pedestrian hurried across the tracks as a northbound train was emerging from the tunnel. According to witnesses, the man appeared to be looking at the train and running to get across the tracks in front of it, from Macleod Trail towards the Stampede Grounds.

The train operator attempted an emergency stop but was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian. All safety equipment at the intersection was in working order at the time.

The pedestrian was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in critical condition.

Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in this collision.

Death of a Canadian Armed Forces Member

Department of National Defence
On October 20, 2014, two members of the Canadian Armed Forces were injured in a hit-and-run incident in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. One member later died in hospital.

The loss of any member is devastating to the military community and our condolences go out to his family and friends. We are doing whatever we can to provide assistance in their time of need, and to speed the recovery of the CAF member injured in the attack.

Quick Facts

• Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, a member of the Joint Personnel Support Unit, Integrated Personnel Support Centre St-Jean, died as a result of his injuries on October 20, 2014.
• WO Vincent was a member of the Regular Force since May 1986. During his career, he served in Valcartier, Comox, Halifax, Trenton, Esquimalt, Edmonton, North Bay and Montreal.
• The death is currently under investigation by the Sûreté du Québec. As such, it is inappropriate to comment further on the investigation.
• The injured Canadian Armed Forces member remains in stable condition in hospital.

End of lockdown and search at Edmonton Institution

Correctional Service Canada

The lockdown put in place at Edmonton Institution on October 13, 2014 has ended and an exceptional search has been completed. The institution has resumed its normal operations.

A number of unauthorized items were found during the exceptional search.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) is strengthening measures to prevent the entry of contraband into its institutions in order to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to have contraband brought into correctional institutions.

Visits to the institution have resumed.

Assault of an inmate at Drumheller Institution 

Correctional Service Canada

On October 20, 2014, at about 1:10 p.m. an inmate was found to have been victim of an assault in the medium security unit at Drumheller Institution– Medium security unit . The injured inmate was immediately evaluated by staff members and transported to an outside hospital to receive treatment.

The Drumheller detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the institution are presently investigating the incident.

No staff members or other inmates were injured during this incident.

The assailant has been identified and the appropriate actions have been taken.

The Warden has ordered a lockdown and an exceptional search of the medium security unit. Normal operations will resume when it is considered safe to do so.

Visits have been suspended until the search is completed.

The safety and security of institutions, their staff and the public remains the highest priority in the operations of the federal correctional system.

New measure to enhance cross-border public safety

Improving communication for first responders along the Canada–U.S. border

Industry Canada

Industry Minister James Moore today announced that the Government of Canada and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have reached an agreement that will help emergency responders from Canada, including police officers, firefighters and paramedics, do critical work to enhance the safety of citizens living along the Canada–U.S. border. Public safety officials from Canada will be able to use their radios in border areas in the U.S. and vice versa.

This agreement is needed to reflect new technologies such as handheld devices, and it supports improved communication for emergency responders operating across the border.

This agreement also eliminates the need for each country to issue permits to public safety officials crossing the border as long as the radios they use are licensed in their country of origin.