Between the months of September and November 2023, EPS responded to multiple break-in incidents at the Canadian National Railway storage yard located along 127 Avenue at 121 Street. In most instances, thieves cut through fencing to gain access to the yard and steal copper wire. During the investigation multiple suspects were identified, which led to an arrest warrant for one suspect and the arrests of three others. The monetary loss of the copper wire thefts alone totals over $9,500.
“Copper wire theft remains a big problem in the City of Edmonton,” says Acting Det. Tyrone O’Dea of the West Branch Investigative Response Team (IRT). “In some instances, the destructive nature of these thefts disturbs ongoing infrastructure projects within the city.”
At the conclusion of the investigation, the following suspects were charged:
Michael James Roberts, 50, is facing charges of break and enter (x6). In addition, at the time of arrest Roberts had six outstanding warrants for break and enter with intent to commit, possess break-in instruments, fail to comply with Probation Order, fail to comply with Undertaking (x2) and fail to attend court.
Mark Gerald Johnston, 37, is facing charges of break and enter and breach conditional sentence order (x6).
Shane Michael Manning, 38, is facing charges of breach release order, utter forged document and obstruct police officer.
Charles Taggart Patterson, 33, was not located initially, but has since been arrested and charged with break and enter.