Media Releases

Suspects facing 100 charges in parkade break-and-enters

21 Feb 2020 21:45:54 UT

Brandon Okimaw, 25, and Caitlin Dvorak, 22, were arrested on Feb. 20, 2020 in relation to an extensive break-and-enter series.

The two suspects are alleged to be responsible for a spree that began on Jan. 13, 2020 and involved at least 15 break-and-enters to apartment and condo building parkades and two break-and-enters to businesses.

It was reported to police that the suspects would gain access to the underground parking garages before smashing vehicle windows and removing valuables found inside. In three instances, vehicles were also stolen, all three of which have since been recovered.

Okimaw is facing 51 charges related to break-and-enter, while Dvorak faces 49 break-and-enter-related charges.

The EPS sent out a previous news release requesting public assistance to locate Okimaw and Dvorak on Feb. 14, 2020, when warrants were issued for their arrest.

Graduation ceremony for EPS Recruit Training Class 147

21 Feb 2020 14:00:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service's newest constables are graduating and joining the the ranks of those dedicated to serve and protect our city.

Having recently completed their EPS academic training, Recruit Training Class (RTC) 147 now moves into field training, where they will have an operational role supporting patrol divisions across the city.

While many in the class have backgrounds in law enforcement, there are others who made significant career changes to pursue their dreams of becoming police officers.

These include a former firefighter, a paramedic, helicopter pilot, soldier, construction manager, a systems analyst, an elementary school teacher, a stay-at-home mom, and an Edmonton Prospects pitcher, to name just a few.

Their diverse skills, education, and life experiences will help EPS continue to serve our changing and growing community into the future.

Graduating from RTC 147 are 27 EPS officers (17 male, 10 female), as well as one Lacombe Police Service officer (male) who trained with the EPS.

Members of the public are invited to attend the graduation ceremony where the new constables will be presented with their diplomas and recognition awards.

The ceremony features a formal procession by the EPS Honour Guard, performances by the EPS Pipes and Drums and the EPS Chorus, flag and marching drills, and comments from EPS members and special guests.

Participating in the graduation ceremony will be Chief of Police Dale McFee, Chief Lorne Blumhagen from the Lacombe Police Service, MLA Searle Turton, Mayor Don Iveson, and Edmonton Police Commission Chair Micki Ruth.

EPS Graduation Ceremony
Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Edmonton City Hall, City Room
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

For more information on a career with the Edmonton Police Service, or to talk to a recruiter, please call 780-421-2233 (toll free at 1-866-777-0815) or visit www.joinEPS.ca.

ASIRT investigating officer-involved shooting

20 Feb 2020 23:55:09 UT

At approximately 11:20 a.m. this morning, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, two Northwest Division officers were dispatched to a report of a carjacking in the area of 119 Street and 132 Avenue.

While the two officers were speaking with the complainant at a nearby location in the area of 120 Street and 134 Avenue, the suspect returned to the area with the allegedly stolen vehicle.

A confrontation occurred between the suspect and police, and one of the officers discharged their service weapon. The suspect then exited the vehicle, at which time the officers arrested him. The suspect was not injured and has been taken into custody.

No EPS officers were harmed during this incident.

The EPS will not be providing further comment, as the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has since taken the lead in this investigation.

Police seek public’s assistance locating missing male

20 Feb 2020 22:41:00 UT

The Edmonton Police service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 52-year-old missing male.

Charles Edward Beaudin, 52, was last seen in the Edmonton area on March 10, 2019. Beaudin’s family has not heard from him in several months and as such, there are concerns for his well-being. Investigators do not have any reason to believe he has met with foul play.

Beaudin weighs approximately 200lbs and stands 5’8”. He has black hair and brown eyes and is known to frequent the downtown core.

Missing Person: Charles Edward Beaudin, 52

EPS shares results of months-long consultations with LGBTQ2S+ community

20 Feb 2020 21:34:17 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has completed its consultations with the community and its police members as part of the LGBTQ2S+ reconciliation initiative.

The consultations mainly took place between July and October 2019 and included one on one interviews, small group interviews, focus groups, online surveys and social media.

“We received some very valuable feedback from the community and from our own members on how we can do better,” says Chief Dale McFee.

The feedback gathered internally and externally identified several gaps, and the EPS has identified some actions that aim to immediately strengthen and improve inclusivity, understanding, and communication with its own members and that of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

“Two of the main areas that were identified as needing our focus are recruiting and training. This is where our priorities are right now with a number of short-term goals, some of which have already been implemented and are being worked on,” says Chief McFee.

The EPS will build on its current inclusivity and bias awareness training by developing a new LGBTQ2S+ Recruit Training Module that will be centred around historic trauma, understanding marginalization and connecting with people’s experiences.

This comprehensive, mandatory professional development program for both sworn and civilian members will include participation from the external and internal LGBTQ2S+community. This training will leverage their experience and knowledge as part of the development and the delivery of the training, which is set to be piloted for the next recruit training class.

The Police Communications Branch will also undergo some changes in its inclusivity and bias awareness training. The first step in this process will be a review of the current training provided at hiring time, and the ongoing training members receive in inclusive language, identity and bias.

The LGBTQ2S+ community also expressed a desire and need to better understand what they can expect from police when attending an event and also how and why EPS responds to parades, protests and large public gatherings. In response to this, the EPS has created a Police Liaison Coordinator position in its Disaster and Emergency Operations section, who will work with the Inclusion and Equity Branch on providing communication and collaboration with community members around these events.

“This is a major step to building trust,” says Chief McFee. “This is a tool to help those with traumatic and negative experiences understand and prepare for situations that will involve the police, and how the police will present themselves, and their role.”

Other short-term changes include: modification in FOIPP request language to be gender inclusive, adjustment in the Detainee Management Unit (DMU) intake process to allow for non-binary and trans identification, as well as safer options for alternate medical screening and detainment. Also, the EPS will be working in collaboration with external stakeholders to build a more specific inclusivity strategy in Recruiting Unit in response to the feedback that the LGBTQ2S+ community wants to see more of themselves reflected in their police service.

The EPS has also developed long-term strategies around community participation, recruitment, training, accountability and leadership that will be rolled out over the next twelve months.

“This isn’t the end, but the beginning of our journey,” says Chief McFee. “We won’t always be perfect, we may make mistakes along the way, but this relationship is and will remain a priority for EPS.”

The full reports are available for viewing at www.epsinput.ca and the video is also available on the EPS YouTube channel here.

Police investigating death of male in west Edmonton

19 Feb 2020 23:54:56 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the suspicious death of a male that occurred in west Edmonton late Tuesday evening.

Shortly before 11 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, a West Division patrol member was travelling along Stony Plain Road at 152 Street, when he located an injured male on the road.

Police provided medical aid to the injured male prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. Paramedics then treated and transported the male to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Homicide Section detectives have since taken over the investigation. The Edmonton Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy earlier today. The cause and manner of death are being withheld at this time.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have been in the area or has information related to this investigation.

Please 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.

Police seek public's assistance locating suspect wanted for attempted murder, arson

16 Feb 2020 03:50:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance locating a 33-year-old man believed to be connected to a violent assault and arson that took place earlier today.

At approximately 5:26 a.m. this morning, Feb. 15, 2020, EPS Northwest Division officers and Edmonton Fire Rescue responded to the report of a dispute and a fire at a residence in the area of 121 Avenue and 102 Street.

It was reported to police that a male entered a residence in the area and assaulted two females. He then reportedly lit the house on fire and fled the area on foot.

The two females, aged 31 and 72, were able to escape the home. EMS then treated and transported them to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. They remain in hospital at this time.

Investigators continue to search for the suspect male, identified as Jade Boskoyous, 33, and have issued several province-wide warrants for his arrest including, attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and arson.

Boskoyous is believed to be violent and dangerous and detectives are releasing his photo in an attempt to locate him.

Assist to locate: Jade Boskoyous, 33

Boskoyous is described as 5’9” tall with a medium build and dark hair.

Officers believe that Boskoyous and the two females are known to one another and that this is a domestic violence related incident.

Detectives continue to investigate. There is no additional information available for release.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Boskoyous is advised to not approach him and immediately call 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.

Police lay charge in central Edmonton homicide

14 Feb 2020 22:50:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 33-year-old man in relation to the death of a woman in central Edmonton this week.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, Downtown Division officers were called to the report of a stabbing at a shopping centre parkade in the area of 102 Avenue and 101 Street.

Upon arrival, officers found an injured 33-year-old female identified as Sheri Lynn Gauthier.

EMS responded, treated and transported Gauthier to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

An autopsy completed by the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office this morning, Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, determined that Gauthier died from sharp force injuries and the manner of death is homicide.

A male suspect, identified as Elliot Tyler McLeod, 33, was taken into custody in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Following investigation by the EPS Homicide Section, McLeod has been charged with second degree murder.

Police are not seeking any additional suspects.

There is no additional information available for release.

EPS issues multiple warrants for arrest of prolific B&E suspects

14 Feb 2020 22:06:55 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has issued multiple warrants for the arrest of two suspects in connection to a month-long B&E series that has impacted residents across the city.

Northeast Division investigators issued warrants containing more than 90 charges earlier this afternoon for Brandon Okimaw, 25, and Caitlin Dvorak, 22, both of Edmonton. The two suspects are believed to be responsible for a spree of at least 15 break and enters to apartment/condo building parking garages and two businesses that commenced back on Jan. 13, 2020.

It was reported to police that the suspects would gain access to the underground parking garages, before smashing vehicle windows and making off with various valuables found inside. In three instances, vehicles were also stolen, all three of which have since been recovered.

Brandon Okimaw, 25, is facing 48 B&E-related charges, while Caitlin Dvorak, 22, is facing 40 B&E-related charges.

Police encourage anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Brandon Okimaw and Caitlin Dvorak 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.

(Photos removed as suspects have been located.)

Business, staff fined for selling cannabis products without a licence

13 Feb 2020 22:37:38 UT

A vape shop is facing fines related to the sale of illegal cannabis products.

In December 2019, the Edmonton Police Service conducted an investigation into a vape shop in the area of 118 Avenue and 95A Street known to be selling cannabis products without the required municipal and provincial licences.

On February 12, 2020, the EPS issued four violation tickets to the vape shop for storing cannabis for sale (x2), and directly or indirectly selling or offering to sell cannabis (x2) under the provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. At $50,000 per ticket, the shop faces a combined total of $200,000 in provincial fines.

Further, store owner Alfonso Potestio, 35, and employee Megan Schultz, 23 are each facing charges of unlawfully possess cannabis for purpose of sale (x2) and unlawfully sell cannabis to an individual over 18 years of age (x2) under the federal Cannabis Act.

The shop was previously issued bylaw tickets for operating a cannabis business without a licence in August 2019, and the EPS is submitting a business licence review to the City of Edmonton.

“A legal market is a safer market, and it’s our job to enforce the laws that ensure the safe and regulated sale of cannabis,” says Const. Dexx Williams, EPS Cannabis Liaison. “We want to remind the public that if you’re selling any cannabis products without a licence, businesses can be fined up to $50,000, and individuals can face a fine of up to $10,000.”

To find licensed cannabis retailers, citizens should visit https://aglc.ca/cannabis/retail-cannabis/cannabis-licensee-search.