Policing in Alberta to October 6, 2014

Armed robbery in Red Deer
Australian woman charged with MischiefAttempted abduction of boy in Red Deer

Fatal MVC near Leduc

Home invasion in Red Deer
Officer-involved shooting in Redcliff
Hit and run involving Edmonton pedestrian
Man charged in fatal Thorsby collision
Arson in Mayerthorpe
Vegreville RCMP ramps up traffic initiatives
Pharmacy B&E in St. Albert

RCMP Airdrie City weekend report
Grande Prairie weekend news summary
Medicine Hat Police Service weekend review
Suspicious fire at Wetaskiwin airport

Rural residence vandalized near Grimshaw
Powered parachute crash in Fort Vermilion
Charges laid in Edmonton homicide and residential fire
Fatal house fire in County of Athabasca (update)

Armed robbery in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP are searching for two males who robbed the Express 24 Foodmart at 140 Erickson Drive in Red Deer. The robbery occurred shortly after 3:00 am on October 3, when two men entered the store carrying knives. They made off with the tray from the till, an undisclosed amount of cash and some cigarettes. No one was injured during this robbery, and the suspects left the building on foot.

RCMP searched the area and were assisted by Police Dog Services, who recovered a knife that had been wielded by one of the suspects.

Pictured: Armed robbery suspects

The suspects are described as wearing black jackets and hoodies; one suspect had a black scarf covering his face and the other had what was described as a women’s scarf covering his face. Please see attached surveillance photos.

Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying the suspects responsible for this armed robbery 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

Australian woman charged with Mischief

The Calgary Police Service has charged an Australian woman with mischief after claiming she was an underage victim of sex trafficking and exploitation.

At approximately 4 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, a woman walked into a northeast health centre and made claims she was a 14-year-old who was the victim of an abduction and prolonged sexual assault. The woman was immediately transported to a local hospital for further treatment, at which point the CPS was called.

Using a false name, Aurora Hepburn, the woman told investigators she’d endured years of violent sexual abuse and torture. For several weeks, investigators and health care workers spent countless hours working with the alleged victim to establish the extent of her abuse and provide services for her recovery.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, the Service was notified of a similar case that was investigated in 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. Following a lengthy investigation by the Irish Gardai, the woman’s claims were determined to be fake and she was charged.

After liaising with the Gardai, it was determined the woman in Calgary was indeed believed one and the same. She was then taken into police custody and transported to Westwinds Campus where she charged.

Samantha Lyndell Azzopardi

Samantha Lyndell AZZOPARDI, 26, originally of Sydney, Australia, is charged with public mischief to mislead peace officer. Due to her multiple aliases, the Service is taking the unusual step of releasing a photo of AZZOPARDI and is asking anyone with information about her movements in Calgary to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637

Attempted abduction of boy in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP are searching for a man who attempted to lure an 11 year old boy into his vehicle at approximately 7:00 pm on September 29. The boy was playing in the Aspen Ridge Park in the Anders neighbourhood of Red Deer when a man drove a van past him, then pulled over and invited the boy to get into the van. The boy ignored the man and quickly departed the area; the van did not follow him but he saw it drive past his home a few moments later.

The male is described as:

• Caucasian
• In his 40s
• Wearing a flat brimmed black hat with a brown front and the word "Quicksilver" on it
• The hair that was visible under his cap was short and grey/white
• Clean shaven and not wearing glasses
• Speaking in a high-pitched voice

The van is described as:

• An older model van, light brown
• Dirty, with rust on the side and back
• Tinted windows
• No decals or stickers and no spare tire on the back

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 near Leduc

RCMP Leduc Integrated Traffic Unit

On October 6, 2014 at approximately 6:00 am RCMP Leduc Integrated Traffic Unit received a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a Honda Civic and another unknown vehicle approximately 20 km South of Leduc on highway 2 near highway 616. Upon arrival police observed that the Civic sustained extensive front end damage. The driver of the Civic, a 29 year old male from Edmonton was transported to University of Alberta hospital with extensive injuries and passed away shortly thereafter. Identification is not being released, pending notification of kin.

"It appears that the Civic may have struck a stopped or slow moving semi-truck, and that driver of the semi-truck either didn't notice or chose not to stop after they were struck" says Cpl. Alex DASILVA of the Leduc Integrated Traffic Unit. Police are asking for the public to keep an eye out for a semi trailer with extensive rear end damage and possible white paint transfer. The investigation remains open and ongoing.

Any information can be forwarded to Leduc RCMP at 780-980-7200 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8411).

Home invasion in Red Deer

Red Deer RCMP are searching for a man and woman who broke into a townhouse in the West Park neighbourhood of Red Deer at approximately 1:15 am on September 25. The female resident was woken when her dogs began barking, alerting her that someone was in her home. An unknown male and female then entered her bedroom and the male assaulted her when she tried to defend herself. The suspects left the residence with the victim’s purse, some jewellery and two long-barrel firearms.

RCMP investigation revealed that the suspects had attempted unsuccessfully to break into a neighbouring residence before entering the victim’s home. The victim was treated at Red Deer Regional Hospital for her injuries and was released the same morning.

Male suspect

The male is described as:

• 25 years old
• 5’6” – 5’7” tall
• Blonde hair
• Slim build
• No facial hair or tattoos
• Wearing a blue t-shirt and jeans

Female suspect

The female is described as:

• Possibly Aboriginal
• Early 20s
• Dark hair

Anyone with information that may assist the police in identifying the suspects 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

Officer-involved shooting in Redcliff

Redcliff RCMP

On October 6, 2014, at 3:30 am there was an officer-involved shooting during an encounter at the Redcliff RCMP Detachment, one civilian was injured in the incident.

Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the matter.

Hit and run involving Edmonton pedestrian

Edmonton Police Service

Police seek public’s assistance in locating white or silver sedan in connection with Sunday evening collision involving pedestrian.

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a white or silver sedan in connection with a Sunday evening hit-and-run collision that sent a 46-year-old male to hospital in critical condition.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Oct. 5, 2014, it was reported that a vehicle travelling northbound on Rabbit Hill Road collided with a male pedestrian in the crosswalk at Hodgson Boulevard. The pedestrian is believed to have been crossing Rabbit Hill road from the southeast corner and walking toward the southwest corner in a marked crosswalk, when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. 

Witnesses told police the vehicle, which is described as being a small white or silver sedan, was last seen driving northbound on Rabbit Hill Road., after colliding with the pedestrian.

The 46-year-old male was treated on scene by paramedics and transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition with multiple injuries.

Anyone who has information about this collision or the whereabouts of the white or silver sedan is urged 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
Man charged in fatal Thorsby collision

Thorsby/Breton RCMP

On May 20, 2014 the Thorsby RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 39 just north of Thorsby, Alberta. A Dodge Ram pickup truck was headed northbound and slowing to make a left hand turn off of Highway 39 onto Township road 494 when it was rear ended by a Chevrolet Silverado pick up truck headed in the same direction.

The Dodge truck had two occupants. The male driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital by STARS while the female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical services (EMS). The driver of the Chevrolet truck was injured.

Upon completion of the investigation by the RCMP the Wetaskiwin Crown Prosecutors Office was consulted and based on that the driver of the Chevrolet truck, John GEORGE, was charged on September 25th 2014, with careless driving and follow too closely under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act. GEORGE is set to appear in Breton Provincial Court on November 25, 2014 at 10:00 am for first appearance.

Arson in Mayerthorpe

Mayerthorpe RCMP

On October 4, 2014 at approximately 11:55 a.m., Mayerthorpe RCMP were called to assist Mayerthorpe Fire Rescue with a structure fire in the Town of Mayerthorpe.

The covered structure containing hay bales was completely engulfed and extensive loss was sustained. Estimate of damage is pending.

While conducting the investigation, RCMP located an 8 year old youth who admitted to starting the fire with a lighter and was unable to extinguish same. Given the age of the youth, no charges are forthcoming. In discussion with the Alberta Fire Commission, the youth is to be referred to "Fire Starters", a provincial arson prevention program.

Vegreville RCMP ramps up traffic initiatives

Vegreville RCMP have ramped up traffic initiatives on our roads in the area over the past few days. Since Thursday October 2, 2014, detachment members, the Vegreville Detachment Traffic Unit and bicycle patrol RCMP members have laid over 55 charges against offenders in the area. The charges vary from seatbelts, unbuckled children, speeding, possession of illicit drugs, impaired driving, suspended drivers, non-insured vehicles as well as Fish and Wildlife offences. 24 hour, 15 day and indefinite driver's license suspensions were also issued to multiple drivers influenced by drugs or alcohol.

10 vehicles were towed and seized relating to the above offences during that same time period. Cst Curtis HARSULLA of the Vegreville RCMP Traffic Services says, " It is discouraging to see the amount of drivers who still choose to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. However, with the creation of the new Traffic Services section within the Vegreville Detachment we will continue to see an increase in traffic enforcement to ensure the roads in and around Vegreville remain safe."
Pharmacy B&E in St. Albert

St. Albert RCMP

At approximately 2:52 am on October 2 members of St. Albert RCMP were dispatched to a break and enter at the Grandin Medical Pharmacy located at #1 St Anne Street. Upon arrival, police located a smashed glass door but no one was inside the pharmacy. It is believed that the unknown individual(s) responsible for this break and enter made off with an undisclosed amount of prescription drugs. These stolen prescription drugs, if misused, could have potential harmful effects on persons consuming them.

St. Albert RCMP is looking for your help on this crime. 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).

RCMP Airdrie City weekend report

Airdrie RCMP

Airdrie City RCMP responded to 69 calls for service this past weekend, starting 5:00 pm, Friday, October 3rd, through to 7:00 am, Monday October 6th, 2014. Calls were dispatched to RCMP as the following and do not reflect actual occurrence or clearance status.

• 1 911 Act
• 1 Abandoned Vehicle
• 3 Animal Calls
• 2 Assaults
• 5 Assistance to Outside Agencies
• 3 Assistance to Public
• 1 Breach of Peace
• 1 Break and Enter
• 1 Child Welfare
• 1 Sudden Death (Coroner’s Act, Non-suspicious)
• 3 Disturbing the Peace
• 2 False Alarms
• 1 Family Orders Act
• 1 Harassing Phone Call
• 4 Impaired Operation
• 2 Lost/Found Items
• 2 Liquor Act Offences
• 8 Mischief
• 1 Motor Vehicle Insurance Act
• 8 Municipal Bylaw
• 3 Traffic Complaints
• 2 Theft Under $5000.00
• 2 Parking Offences
• 2 Missing Persons
• 3 Suspicious Persons
• 1 Theft from Motor Vehicle
• 2 Traffic Collisions
• 2 Uttering Threats

Grande Prairie weekend news summary

Between 4:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2014 and 7:00 a.m. today, Monday, October 6, 2014, the Grande Prairie RCMP received 241 reports and/or calls for service, which included:

• 14 911 calls
• 1 Abandoned Vehicles
• 1 Animal complaints
• 11 Assaults
• 2 Breach of or Fail to comply with conditions
• 8 Break and Enter
• 5 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Complaints
• 15 Disturb the Peace
• 19 Other Moving Traffic Complaints
• 5 Other Non-Moving Traffic Complaints
• 3 Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident
• 13 False Alarms
• 3 Frauds
• 16 Impaired Drivers
• 1 Items Lost or Found
• 6 Gaming and Liquor Act Complaints
• 15 Mischief complaints
• 9 Municipal Bylaw complaints
• 10 Theft of Motor Vehicle complaints
• 15 Theft related complaints
• 7 Suspicious person, vehicle, or property
• 15 Traffic Collisions
• 19 Other (Criminal Code/Provincial Act/Municipal Bylaw)
• 24 Assist (General Public, Other Agencies, Other Police)
• 1 Trespass Act complaints
• 3 Utter Threats complaints

Medicine Hat Police Service weekend review

From October 3 to 5 the MHPS received 253 calls for service and held 41 individuals in custody for various offences including:
breach of court orders, assault, intox, criminal harassment, warrants, assault w/weapon, poss dangerous weapon, driving while disqualified, evade police,dangerous driving and theft.

Calls of note:

• On Friday, Oct 3/14 a 2002 Red Pontiac Grand Prix was involved in a hit and run on Altawana Dr NE, the vehicle struck a light standard and then the driver fled the scene on foot but was tracked to a residence by K9 team. 
• On Saturday, October 4, 2014 at about 9:15PM police, EMS and Fire Service personnel responded to a single vehicle rollover on 54 St NW.  A 2004 white Ford pickup truck was travelling northbound on 54 St NW when the vehicle overturned into the ditch.  There were five persons in the vehicle. All were taken to hospital and treated for various minor injuries and were released.  Damage is estimated by police at about $10,000.  Alcohol was not a factor in the accident.  The investigation is being conducted by the Taffic Unit and charges are pending.
• Also on Sat Oct 4/14 Police responded to a licensed premise on 13th Ave SE following a complaint of several individuals fighting outside.

Suspicious fire at Wetaskiwin airport

Wetaskiwin RCMP

In the early hours of October 6, 2014 Wetaskiwin RCMP and Wetaskiwin Fire Department attended to the Wetaskiwin Airport to a structure fire.

A large aircraft storage hanger was fully engulfed and completely destroyed by the fire. The hanger contained a number of aircraft and small equipment. Nobody was hurt as a result of the blaze.  The Fire Department was able to quickly get control of the fire and eventually extinguish it preventing further damage to the surrounding structures

The cause and origin of the fire has not been determined at this time. The Provincial Fire Investigator and the RCMP continue to investigate.

Rural residence vandalized near Grimshaw

Peace Regional RCMP

On Sunday October 5 Peace Regional RCMP received a complaint of property damage to a rural residence in the area of Grimshaw. The incident occurred between October 4th at 9:00 pm and 11:00 am the following morning. In this incident, heavy machinery was used to damage a residence located just off Highway 684. Peace Regional RCMP are currently investigating this occurrence and are asking for the community's help in identifying those responsible.

Powered parachute crash in Fort Vermilion

Fort Vermilion RCMP

On September 20, 2014 just after 8:00pm The Fort Vermilion RCMP along with La Crete Fire and EMS responded to a powered parachute crash into a barn at a legal land location off Wolfe Lake Road. The operator sustained only minor injuries.

Following this incident RCMP have conducted follow up with Transport Canada Aviation Enforcement, as there appeared to be some confusion in the community as to licensing and registration requirements about these types of ultra-light aircraft/ powered parachutes.

As per Canadian Aviation Regulations, operators of any aircraft which includes an airplane, glider, powered parachute, ultra-light etc must:

• Be trained and hold a valid operator’s license/ rating, and medical clearance. This involves a ground school course, written exam, flight training time under a qualified instructor, a letter of recommendation from the instructor, and a valid medical aviation certificate from a qualified Doctor able to perform aviation medicals
• Aircraft of any type must be registered with Transport Canada and have visible registration marks painted on or affixed to the aircraft
• Aircraft of any type must have valid liability insurance of an amount not less than $100,000
• Ultra-light aircraft and powered parachutes are strictly recreational and can NOT be operated for any commercial purpose, at night or under IFR conditions
• Powered parachutes are NOT permitted to carry passengers at any time
• Powered parachutes shall not be operated over a built-up area or over an open-air assembly of persons unless the aircraft is operated at an altitude from which, in the event of an emergency necessitating an immediate landing, it would be possible to land the aircraft without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface, and, in any case, at an altitude that is not lower than 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the aircraft; and the aircraft can land without creating a hazard to persons or property.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in charges and/or enforcement action being taken by Transport Canada.

Should the community have questions or concerns regarding any aircraft issues, their licensing, aircraft registration etc. they are encouraged to contact Transport Canada.

Charges laid in Edmonton homicide and residential fire

Edmonton Police Service’s Homicide Section has laid charges in relation to a residential fire and homicide that occurred on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014.

“This was a difficult scene to investigate,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Brad Mandrusiak with Homicide Section. “The fire made it dangerous for investigators so precautions had to be taken prior to police searching the scene.”

After collecting substantial evidence, the Edmonton Police located and arrested the suspect, a tenant of the same residence. The suspect taken into custody without incident on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014 in the early morning in the area of 111 Street and 23 Avenue at the Century Park LRT parking lot.

Juan Rolan Checkel, 24, was charged on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 with first degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon and arson to property (disregard for human life).

Genevieve Lucienne Auger, 32, died from being beaten and stabbed to death.

Checkel’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014.

There have been 19 confirmed homicides in Edmonton in 2014. There were 18 homicides in Edmonton at the same time in 2013.

Police do not believe there are any other suspects, however are asking the public to report any background information they have about Checkel to police.

Anyone with information is asked 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 house fire in County of Athabasca (update)

Boyle RCMP

On October 1, 2014 at 10:00 am, emergency crews attended a house fire in the County of Athabasca. Once the fire was extinguished human remain were found within the debris. The remains have been examined by the Edmonton Medical Examiner's office and identified as the 40 year old male owner of the house.

The cause of this fire has yet to be determined but it is believed to be non-criminal in nature.

The name of the deceased will not be released by the RCMP.