Media Releases

Homicide Section investigating sudden death of male

15 Nov 2019 22:41:00 UT

The EPS Homicide Section is investigating the death of a 74-year-old man.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 at approximately 12 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of 99 Avenue and 106 Street to check on the welfare of Franklin Delano Hudson, 74. Upon arrival, patrol members located Hudson deceased inside his residence.

An autopsy was conducted on Hudson yesterday, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, however the cause of death is not being released at this time. The death is being treated as suspicious.

Homicide investigators are looking to speak with anyone with information concerning Hudson’s activities between Wednesday, Nov. 6 and Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, prior to his death.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate suspicious death of female

15 Nov 2019 00:03:00 UT

The EPS Homicide Section continues to investigate the suspicious death of a 35-year-old female. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019 at approximately 6:45 a.m., police were called to the area of 133 Avenue and 140 Street on the report of a deceased female. Upon arrival, officers located 35-year-old Rebecca Hunter deceased outside of a residence.

An autopsy was conducted this morning, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the cause of death is not being released at this time pending further medical testing. Investigators continue to treat the death as suspicious.

Homicide detectives are looking to speak with anyone with information concerning Rebecca Hunter’s whereabouts in the days and hours leading up to her death.

Police investigate fatal collision on Anthony Henday at Aurum Road

13 Nov 2019 00:10:00 UT

Officers from the Major Collision Investigation Section (MCIS) are investigating a serious collision which resulted in the death of a 68-year-old woman.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, police were called to the Aurum Road exit at Anthony Henday Drive on the report of a serious collision. It was reported that a 68-year-old female operating a 2005 Honda Accord took the Aurum Road exit and was travelling south in the northbound lanes of Anthony Henday Drive, when the Accord collided with a 2014 Ford F-150 travelling northbound. The female driver of the Accord was pronounced deceased on scene and the 43-year-old male driver of the F-150 was transported to hospital by paramedics, where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries.

Neither speed nor alcohol are considered factors in this collision. MCIS officers continue to investigate.

Police seek additional complainants in knockoff cell phone scam

08 Nov 2019 16:49:19 UT

A British Columbia man has been charged after attempting to sell counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S10+ phones online.

On November 2, 2019, Edmonton Police Services became aware of a suspect who was advertising counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S10+ phones on buy-and-sell sites such as Kijiji, Facebook Market Place and letgo. The phones, which retail new for approximately $1,300, were being advertised for $650.

The cell phones were convincingly packaged in plastic shrink wrap. However, the phones were found to have duplicate IMEI numbers, and were not compatible with a Canadian network.

Counterfeit cell phone being offered for sale

On Saturday Nov. 2, 2019, Shalom Oniha, 30, of Burnaby, B.C. was arrested and charged with fraud under $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime and possession of forged documents.

“Online classifieds are a great place to buy and sell, but we always encourage buyers to ask for documentation, including the seller’s photo ID, proof of purchase, and a bill of sale,” says Cst Laura Clarke, of Downtown Division. “And there’s always the golden rule: if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

For more online buying safety tips, visit the EPS website.

Police believe there may be more phones still available for sale online, and that others may have fallen victim to this fraud. Complainants are encouraged to come forward by calling 780-423-4567 or come into a police station.

Homicide Section lays murder charge in relation to 83-year-old woman’s death

07 Nov 2019 22:57:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has laid a first-degree murder charge in relation to an incident that occurred in July, which resulted in the recent death of an 83-year-old woman. Cynthia Hamelin, 49, is charged with first-degree murder.

On Saturday, July 20, 2019, police were called to a senior’s housing facility in the area of 95 Street and 108A Avenue on the report of a of break-and-enter. It was reported that Hamelin gained entry to 83-year-old Giuseppina Micieli’s suite and assaulted her. The complainant was treated and transported to hospital by paramedics with serious injuries sustained from the assault. The complainant and accused were not known to one another.

A few days later, Hamelin was identified and charged for Break and Enter, Aggravated Assault and Forcible Confinement. At the time of this offence she was out on a recognizance order for a series of break-and-enters of senior homes.

On Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, Micieli succumbed to her injuries in hospital and an autopsy was conducted the following day, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be pneumonia caused by blunt force injuries sustained during the assault in July. The manner of death was determined to be homicide.

Investigators are not looking for any additional suspects.

Over 6,500 traffic violations issued during “Big Ticket Event”

06 Nov 2019 22:51:00 UT

Edmonton Police Service officers and City of Edmonton automated enforcement handed out 6,524 traffic violations during Operation 24 Hours.

During the 24-hour enforcement period which took place on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019 and Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, a total of 4,845 speeding tickets were issued by EPS officers and automated enforcement. Other Traffic Safety Act violations, including distracted driving accounted for 959 of the total violations issued.

The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton coordinate regular enforcement campaigns throughout the year (such as Operation 24 Hours) to improve traffic safety on Edmonton’s roadways.

Assist to Locate: Prolific liquor thief wanted in connection to multiple incidents

06 Nov 2019 20:16:57 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a prolific thief who is alleged to have stolen close to $6,000 in liquor from commercial outlets over the last few months.

Roland Rain, 34 (see photo below) is alleged to be responsible for 25 incidents involving liquor theft from stores in Bonnie Doon, Forrest Heights and Capilano, dating back to Aug. 27, 2019.

Southeast Division investigators have since issued 25 warrants for Rain’s arrest. Anyone with information about this suspect’s whereabouts 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

Wanted for multiple liquor thefts: Roland Rain, 34

Police seek public’s assistance locating male in connection to Airbnb investigation

06 Nov 2019 18:43:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance locating a 30-year-old male in relation to a stolen property and property damage investigation.

Martin Irwin, 30, is wanted in connection to an Airbnb rental property located in the area of 147 Avenue and 125 Street. Irwin allegedly rented a dwelling through Airbnb from Aug. 29 until Sept. 16, 2019 under the alias of Curtis Holladay. After Irwin allegedly checked-out of the rental, it was reported that much of the furnishings and electronics had been removed and there was significant damage to the interior of the property.

“We are looking for any information relating to the whereabouts of Mr. Irwin,” says Const. Michael Davis. “Everything from bed linens, cutlery, electronics and furniture were taken from this rental property and the interior damage is quite extensive.”

“We would also like to make other Airbnb property owners aware of this individual, who may use other aliases.”

The damage and theft is estimated to be over $50,000.

Irwin is described as a black male who stands 5’11” and weighs approximately 290lbs. He has brown eyes and short black hair with little to no facial hair.

Irwin is also wanted on warrants for identity fraud and fraud under $5,000.

Assist to locate: Martin Irwin, 30

Vehicle theft heats up, as temperatures cool down

05 Nov 2019 22:13:43 UT

Police reports surrounding thefts of vehicles left idling are on the rise across the city.

As of Sept. 29, 2019, police have received 214 reports of stolen vehicles that were left idling outside of a residence, business or workplace.

It’s a crime that is typically precipitated by the arrival of cooler temperatures, though is increasingly becoming a trend that police are seeing throughout the year, says Const. David Castillo, of Southeast Division.

“Living in a winter city, we certainly understand,” says Const. Castillo. “The last thing anyone wants to do is enter a walk-in freezer when you sit in a frosty vehicle in the morning. Unfortunately, criminals with even colder hearts are waiting in the weeds nearby for unsuspecting citizens to leave their vehicles idling.

“It’s a common occurrence that is unfortunately trending in the wrong direction. Frankly, we need the cooperation of our citizens to avoid taking shortcuts.”

Castillo and his patrol colleagues across the city are also seeing another concerning trend – people who leave their idling vehicles unlocked.

“You’re serving up your vehicle on a platter for criminals,” exclaimed Castillo. “Whether you’re simply running into a convenience store for two minutes, or back into your house to quickly warm up, it only takes criminals seconds to make off with your vehicle.”

“These stolen vehicles are then often used to perpetrate other crimes, leaving a wake of carnage and destruction across the city behind them, and putting the lives of other citizens at risk.”

Edmonton neighbourhoods hit increasingly hard with theft of idling vehicles over the last several years include Central McDougall, McCauley, Boyle Street, Downtown area and Queen Mary Park.

Table 1: ‘Idling Vehicles Stolen’ by Year in Edmonton since 2016

Tips to prevent Vehicle Theft

Do not leave your vehicle running - Under no circumstances should you leave your vehicle unattended while running with the key in the ignition. NOTE: Remote car starters are not a problem; they are designed to shut off if attempts are made to steal the vehicle.

No Spare Keys - Do not leave a spare key hidden in the vehicle. Thieves look for spare keys, and once they break into your vehicle, they know all the hiding spots. You can get a spare key holder for your wallet or purse.

Lock Up Your Vehicle - Always check that the doors, windows, and sun roof are shut and locked when you park your vehicle. Leave your vehicle in a locked garage where possible. Lock your vehicle even when it is in the locked garage.

Be aware of where you park - park in parking lots that have more than one of the following:

Security cameras;
Security patrolling the parking lot;
Someone working at an entrance/exit booth;
A gated parking lot that needs a pass to get in and out;
Well lit;
A busy parking lot with lots of people coming and going or an area where there are lots of vehicles or pedestrians passing by.

Treat Your Keys Like Cash – Don’t leave keys in places where they are easy to snatch, such as a gym locker, on your desk at work, visible in an open purse or unattended in a shopping cart. Thieves will grab and go, then head out to the parking lot and push the button on your key fob until they find your car.

Use a Steering Wheel Locking Device (e.g. The Club) - A well-secured car will deter thieves. There are other devices available to consumers to stop thieves from easily stealing your vehicle. See your local automotive stores for details.

Do not leave items in your vehicle - Thieves can be attracted to your car because personal items are left in plain sight. Never leave anything in your vehicle,including loose change, cell phones, CDs, cameras, clothing, sunglasses, cigarettes, lighters, and any other items.

Install a Remote Car Starter - Remote starters are designed to shut off if anyone attempts to drive the vehicle without a key. This will allow you to warm up your car without risk of theft.

Assist to locate: High risk offender wanted on warrants

04 Nov 2019 22:04:26 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has issued arrest warrants for Rodney Gambler, 26, who allegedly breached conditions of his court order.

Gambler is wanted for breach of recognizance (x2).

He poses a great risk to the public and is considered by police to be a violent and sexually violent offender, most notably while under the influence of any intoxicants.

Rodney Gambler, 26:
Violent Offender

Gambler is described as being 5’10”, 165 lbs, with dark brown/black hair and brown eyes. He is considered dangerous, is known to carry weapons, and should not be approached.

Anyone with any information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS immediately 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.p3tips.com/250.