Media Releases

Police charge man in relation to the 2019 homicide of missing woman

28 Jun 2022 22:07:00 UT

EPS Homicide Section detectives have charged a man in relation to the 2019 disappearance and homicide of Patricia Wendy Pangracs. Pangracs, 32, was last heard from on Saturday, June 8, 2019, and was reported missing on Monday, July 8, 2019.

On August 10, 2019, the EPS’ Search Managers Unit, in conjunction with the investigative team conducted a coordinated search in Strathcona County in relation to the disappearance of Pangracs. A series of events preceding her disappearance suggested she had been in the area.

Later that fall, on September 27, 2019, the search in Strathcona County continued and concealed remains, which were confirmed to be those of Pangracs, were located.

Following a lengthy and extensive investigation, Michael Blair, 29, is charged with manslaughter and indignity to a body in relation to this homicide. Blair and Pangracs were known to one another and investigators are not seeking any additional suspects.

Man with lifetime firearm prohibition arrested after gun found in vehicle

28 Jun 2022 18:31:00 UT

The Gang Suppression Team (GST), under the EPS’ Organized Crime Branch, has charged a man with various firearm offences after he was found to be in possession of a loaded 12-gauge shotgun.

Shortly after midnight, on Monday, June 27, 2022, police conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Terrain after officers noticed the vehicle’s license plate was obscured. Upon speaking with the driver and passenger, officers from GST determined the 28-year-old male passenger was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for breaching conditions. Officers instructed the occupants to exit the vehicle, at which time the passenger indicated he was in possession of a firearm. A loaded and modified 12-gauge shotgun, with additional ammunition, was subsequently located on 28-year-old Suede Batoche.

Batoche did not possess a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). The firearm’s serial number had also been removed.

Batoche is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm knowing its serial number is defaced, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle and possession contrary to order.

Modified 12-gauge shotgun seized during traffic stop

Extra ammunition seized during traffic stop

Police seek public’s assistance locating missing youth

26 Jun 2022 18:36:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 13-year-old female youth.

Lila Smith, 13, was last seen Friday, June 24, 2022, at approximately 8:30 a.m. in the area of 131 Avenue and 91 Street. She was reported missing by her family.

Smith is a Caucasian female who stands approximately 5’10” with a slim build (approximately 100 lbs), with brown eyes and short brown hair. She was last seen wearing a hoodie which has a blue body and white arms with a black and white checkered hoodie pocket, ripped blue jeans, black Converse shoes and carrying a backpack.

Her disappearance is considered out of character, and as such police and Smith’s family are concerned for her wellbeing.

Smith in the distinctive sweater she was last seen wearing

Missing Youth: Lila Smith, 13

A new tool for safer, more compassionate searches

24 Jun 2022 15:30:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has acquired a new piece of technology to improve safety in its Detainee Management Unit (DMU).

In 2016, DMU received approval to purchase this approximately $158,000 body scanner machine to improve the effectiveness of detainee searches. Put into use on May 10, 2022, the body scanner more accurately detects concealed contraband, including weapons and drugs that may have been missed during traditional searches.

“Not only are there many safety benefits for our employees, but those in our custody will be much safer if we can see and secure anything detainees have hidden, not to mention a reduction in the unfortunate, but sometimes necessary invasiveness of a strip search,” says EPS’ IMAC Branch Acting Inspector Jason Altmiks. “We’re pleased that we have this innovative way of providing an alternative search process for our detainees and our members.”

Enactment of an individual being scanned

Enactment of an individual being scanned #2

The new scanner has already proven its value, as within days of using it, DMU employees were able to detect several hidden items, including a large enough quantity of drugs that would have caused an overdose. “Thankfully, we could detect it and prevent the detainee or others from having that experience.”

The body scanner is primarily a harm reduction tool meant to reduce drug poisoning risk and will only be used as part of the intake process on adults after completion of their initial medical screening. Exceptions include detainees who are obviously impaired or otherwise physically incapable of standing still for the ten seconds required to complete the scan, and detainees with signs of cognitive impairment. These detainees may need to be physically searched in the traditional manner.

“This is the only body scanner in operation in a Canadian police facility,” A/Insp. Altmiks explains. “Because this is so new, we expect to learn, improve, and evolve our related procedures so we can provide the best and safest service to anyone who comes into DMU.”

Constable Daniel Tallack named Kiwanis Top Cop 2021

24 Jun 2022 14:02:00 UT

The Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital has named EPS Const. Daniel Tallack as their Top Cop for 2021.

Const. Tallack receives the award for his extensive efforts mentoring and supporting vulnerable 2SLGBTQ+ youth at local drop-in centres and shelters who are facing houselessness, addictions or mental health crises.

As part of the award, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital is donating $1,000 to the charity of Const. Tallack’s choice, which is the CHEW Project OUTpost (2SLGBTQ+ youth drop-in centre).

Const. Daniel Tallack is 46th EPS officer recognized by Kiwanis for outstanding volunteer contributions in the community since 1976. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton - Oil Capital, please visit www.oilcapitalkiwanis.ca.

About Constable Daniel Tallack

Const. Daniel Tallack was nominated for the Kiwanis Top Cop award by his colleagues for his outstanding involvement with Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Daniel always wanted to be a police officer, and worked as peace officer with the University of Alberta for five years prior to joining EPS in 2013.

His lived experience as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and understanding of the barriers they face, helped him develop empathy and compassion as a police officer, and build positive relationships and trust with community members.

Daniel goes out of the way to assist those who have fallen between the cracks, and volunteers a significant amount of time mentoring and supporting youth, including those facing houselessness, addictions or mental health crises.

He is a dedicated volunteer at Camp fYrefly, the CHEW Project OUTpost, Old Strathcona Youth Society, and Youth Empowerment Support Services. He is also a tireless advocate with the EPS 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group and the EPS Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression Advisory Council.

Const. Daniel Tallack has gone above and beyond to improve community safety and well-being. By connecting with 2SLGBTQ+ youth, he has become a trusted role model and resource, and an example of what positive policing can look like.

The Top Cop Award was presented to Constable Daniel Tallack by Chief Dale McFee and President Beverly Levis from the Kiwanis Club on June 24, 2022.

Police looking for individuals with information related to downtown homicides

23 Jun 2022 20:36:00 UT

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals who may have valuable information in relation to the investigation of the deaths of Ban Hoang and Hung Trang on May 18, 2022.

Investigators are seeking to speak with any person who attended the premises of Universal Electronics and Video (10557 98 Street) on Wednesday, May 18^th, 2022. Investigators are specifically interested to speak with two respective unidentified persons who separately attended this location and then attended the next-door premises of Mildly Chinese Herbal Centre (10551 98 Street) that same day.

Additionally, investigators wish to speak with an unidentified female who approached uniformed officers at 98 Street and 106 Avenue around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18^th, 2022 and notified them of the injured person at the premises of Universal Electronics and Video.

Autopsy in southeast homicide requires further testing

23 Jun 2022 14:45:54 UT

The investigation remains ongoing into a suspicious death that occurred at a southeast residence last weekend.

The Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy on June 22, 2022, and the cause and manner of death are pending further testing.

Homicide Section continues to investigate this suspicious death.

Background:

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Jun. 19, 2022, police responded to the report of a death at a residence in the area of 79 Street and 82 Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased female in her fifties in the residence. The death has been deemed suspicious, and Homicide Section has taken over the investigation.

Police seek public’s assistance to identify suspect in child sexual assault

22 Jun 2022 15:40:00 UT

The EPS Child Protection Section is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in a recent child sexual assault in northeast Edmonton.

On June 17, 2022, police received the report of a sexual assault against a five-year-old female in northeast Edmonton. It was reported that sometime between June 14 – June 17, 2022 the youth was playing at the Evansdale School playground (150 Avenue and 93 Street) when she was grabbed by an unknown adult male who sexually assaulted her and ran off.

The suspect is described as a white male with short blonde hair and blue eyes. The male was reportedly wearing a brown shirt, jeans, black shoes without socks, and a black watch. He also referred to himself as “Kevin.”

Police are looking to identify the suspect and speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

Police seize prohibited weapon from man in restaurant

21 Jun 2022 18:18:00 UT

The EPS Gang Suppression Team has charged a man after he was found to be in possession of a prohibited, loaded weapon inside a downtown restaurant.

On Saturday, June 18, 2022, at approximately 11:15 p.m., officers from the Gang Suppression Team were conducting a proactive walk through a restaurant in the area of Jasper Avenue and 118 Street. While executing their duties, officers observed suspicious behavior amongst a group of individuals resulting in a 31-year-old male from the group subsequently being arrested for obstruction.

After the male was taken into custody, officers conducted a search and located a semi-automatic pistol in a bag that had been strapped around the 31-year-old’s chest.

“This arrest illustrates the prevalence of illegal firearms in our communities,” says Staff Sergeant Eric Stewart who oversees the Gang Suppression Team within the Organized Crime Branch. “This incident is particularly concerning as this loaded firearm was inside a restaurant that families frequent.”

“We continue to encourage citizens to always remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, while also reporting any suspicious activity they witness to police.”

Yassir Shire, 31, is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, obstruction a peace officer and contravened regulation.

Loaded, semi-automatic pistol seized by police

Homicide Section investigating suspicious death

20 Jun 2022 18:19:12 UT

EPS Homicide Section detectives are investigating the death of a woman in southeast Edmonton on the weekend.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Jun. 19, 2022, police responded to the report of a death at a residence in the area of 79 Street and 82 Avenue.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased female in her fifties in the residence. The death has been deemed suspicious, and Homicide Section has taken over the investigation.

An autopsy has yet to be scheduled.

Anyone with information 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.p3tips.com/250.