Media Releases

Police seek information regarding suspect involved in targeted shooting at restaurant

19 Oct 2021 20:42:56 UT

The Edmonton Police Service continues to investigate a targeted shooting that occurred recently at a south Edmonton restaurant.

On Friday, Oct. 8, at approximately 8:20 p.m., an adult male complainant was having dinner with his family at a restaurant in a south Edmonton commercial complex near 17 Avenue and 99 Street.

It was reported to police that an unidentified male suspect approached the restaurant from the exterior of the building. He then walked up to a window directly in front of where the family were sitting and fired multiple gunshots through the glass at them.

The male complainant sustained several gun-shot wounds and was taken to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Other family members, including children, staff and restaurant patrons were fortunate to escape injury.

The suspect fled the immediate scene on foot, before getting into an SUV driven by a second suspect.

The male complainant has since been discharged from hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance to help identify the two suspects and/or the vehicle they were driving. Anyone with information about this shooting 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.

EPS continues to investigate a targeted shooting on Oct. 8 that occurred in a south-side restaurant. The complainant and his family, including a nine-year-old child, were seated in a booth, when multiple rounds were fired directly at them through a nearby window. Anyone with information regarding the suspects is urged to contact police.

Police seek public's assistance locating missing male

19 Oct 2021 19:45:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 32-year-old male.

Robert Watson, 32, was reportedly last seen in the area of 106 Avenue and 96 Street on Monday, July 19, 2021, at approximately 12:30 p.m. and again at 1 p.m. It was reported to police that he was also seen at the Jasper Place Transit Terminal (157 Street and Stony Plain Road) on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at approximately 12 p.m. After exhausting all other efforts to locate Watson, investigators are hopeful the public can assist.

Watson is described as 6’0” tall with a medium build. He has brown hair, blue eyes, wears glasses and sometimes has facial hair. Watson was last seen wearing a plaid sweater with a hood, a black hooded jacket and was reportedly carrying a beige cross body bag. Photos of Watson are included below.

Missing: Robert Watson, 32

It is unusual for Watson to be out of touch with family for this long. As a result, there are concerns for his well-being. Watson is believed to frequent the inner city, as well as the Stony Plain Road area. There are no indications to suggest foul play at this time.

Anyone with information regarding Watson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service immediately 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.

Homicide Section investigating suspicious death in northeast Edmonton

18 Oct 2021 22:35:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the suspicious death of a male in northeast Edmonton this morning.

At approximately 5:05 a.m. this morning, Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, Northeast Division officers were called to check on the welfare of a male at a multi-unit residence in the area of 128 Avenue and 65 Street. Upon arrival, members located the adult male deceased.

Homicide detectives have since taken over the investigation. An autopsy has yet to be scheduled.

Anyone with information about this suspicious death 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.

Police warn of fake auto insurance scam

18 Oct 2021 20:35:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public after several individuals unknowingly purchased auto insurance from an insurance broker that does not exist.

On Sunday, June 20, 2021, the EPS received a report about fake auto insurance. It was reported to police that the citizen had purchased auto insurance through a local broker, Almarta Brokers; however, when they contacted the insurance provider to update their information, they were informed that they did not have auto insurance with the provider.

Since then, police have been made aware of seven additional reports of fake auto insurance purchased through the same brokers. In each case, correspondence with the brokers reportedly took place via emails and text messages only, payment was completed via e-transfer and complainants received insurance documents that looked identical to those from a valid insurance provider. To date, officers believe more than $10,000 has been defrauded from citizens.

Officers continue to investigate these incidents and are encouraging anyone who believes they have been scammed by Almarta Brokers 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.

When purchasing insurance with a broker, police are advising citizens to be mindful of:

Brokers who communicate only via email or text message. Most auto insurance brokers will be able to speak with clients in person, online or via phone.
Brokers who accept payment through e-transfer only. Insurance providers typically accept payment monthly or yearly and only via direct debit from your bank or credit card.
Rates or incentives that are significantly better than others. It’s uncommon for providers to offer deals such as buy two months, get one free.
Broker and insurance provider addresses. Check the address of the insurance broker and insurance provider to make sure they are associated with a real physical place, such as an office.

Police seek public's assistance identifying suspect in stabbing

15 Oct 2021 22:15:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect following the random stabbing of a female youth in northeast Edmonton last month.

At approximately 5:20 p.m., Monday Sept. 6, 2021, Northeast Division officers were called to the report of a stabbing near Dickinsfield Mall in the area of 94 Street and 144 Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old female who had been stabbed. Fortunately, witnesses were able to provide life-saving first aid to the youth. EMS then responded, treated and transported her to hospital with life-threatening injuries. She has since been released and continues to recover.

Investigators have since determined that the female was attacked by an unknown male and the two did not have any interaction leading up to the stabbing. Video surveillance from the surrounding area captured images of the suspect and officers are hopeful that someone may be able to identify him.

Anyone with information about this stabbing or the suspect 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.

Homicide Section now investigating missing woman case

15 Oct 2021 15:10:37 UT

The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section is investigating the disappearance of a 23-year-old woman.

Nicole Frenchman, 23, was reported missing on Aug. 10, 2021. A public news release was issued on Aug. 16, 2021 seeking tips on her whereabouts. There was no indication of foul play at that time.

Investigators have since determined that the last communication from Frenchman’s phone occurred in the early morning hours of July 10, 2021, and that she was last seen getting into a larger, possibly grey pickup truck with oversized tires and lift kit in the Kingsway area on that same date. Police have found no other evidence of life since then. Her disappearance is now being treated as suspicious, and the EPS Homicide Section is assisting with the investigation.

Frenchman is described as 5’4” tall, approximately 130 lbs with long black hair and brown eyes. She also has several noticeable tattoos, including a blue tattoo of a woman wearing a crown on her upper right chest, a dreamcatcher on her right forearm and a flower and a dollar sign on her right hand.

Missing: Nicole Frenchman, 23

Tattoo of woman with crown

Anyone with information regarding Frenchman’s disappearance is asked to contact the EPS immediately 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.

Autopsy complete, charge laid in recent south Edmonton homicide

13 Oct 2021 22:30:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 19-year-old woman in relation to the homicide of a male in south Edmonton late last week.

At approximately 5:20 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, Southwest Division officers responded to the report of an assault at a residence in the area of 109 Street and 67 Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located an injured 43-year-old male and provided first aid. The male was then transported to hospital; however, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Edmonton Medical Examiner completed an autopsy on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, and determined that Heath Alook, 43, died as a result of a stab wound. The manner of death is homicide.

Shanay Bigstone, 19, was located nearby and taken into custody. She has since been charged with second degree murder.

Investigators have confirmed the two are known to one another. No further information is being released at this time.

Suspect arrested in connection to commercial robbery series

13 Oct 2021 19:49:51 UT

A 39-year-old Edmonton man is facing multiple charges in connection to a recent spree of commercial robberies. At approximately 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, Northwest Branch patrol members responded to a robbery call at a gas station near 118 Avenue and Kingsway Avenue.

Upon arrival, it was reported to police that a male believed to be in his late 30s approached the cashier looking to purchase a bottle of pop. The suspect then produced a robbery note demanding cash. The male fled the store with an undisclosed amount of money. Police have since linked the same suspect to a previous robbery at the same gas bar location on Sept. 28.

On the evening of Oct. 5, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Southeast Branch patrol members also responded to a robbery call at a restaurant near 99 Street and 82 Avenue.

In this instance, the male suspect, believed to be the same individual involved in the gas station robberies, entered the restaurant and passed the owner a robbery note demanding money. The complainant then telephoned 911, though the suspect hung up the phone. When 911 operators called back, the suspect again intervened, hanging up on the emergency operator, before fleeing the scene with no cash.

With a suspect description in hand, EPS patrol units quickly responded to the area, located and arrested the male suspect outside of another restaurant near 107 Street and 82 Avenue.

Raed Ahmad El Harati, 39, is facing 16 robbery-related charges in connection to eight commercial robberies in total over the last few weeks.

The series also included robberies targeting a restaurant near 105 Street and Whyte Avenue (Sept. 22), a convenience store near 104 Street and Whyte Avenue (Sept. 29), a financial business near 113 Street and 114 Avenue (Oct. 4), a restaurant near 107 Street and Whyte Avenue (Oct. 4), and another restaurant near 99 Street and 82 Avenue (Oct. 5).

EPS charge suspect for embezzling $200,000 from local charity

12 Oct 2021 16:00:00 UT

A suspect has been charged in connection to an extensive Edmonton Police Service (EPS) investigation into a local charity that was defrauded of more than $200,000 by one of its employees.

On October 27, 2020, the Alberta Foster and Kinship Association (AFKA) reported to police that they discovered their accountant had been transferring funds from one of AFKA’s accounts into her personal accounts over the last ten months.

When a financial audit was taking place at AFKA, the employee, Brenda RABIE did not come in for her shift; this led to the organization discovering the fraudulent activity.

EPS’ investigations found the money was e-transferred into multiple accounts registered and controlled by RABIE, with a total loss amount of $209,000.00. The offences occurred between November 08, 2019 and October 26, 2020.

On October 7, 2021, Brenda RABIE (43), was charged with Theft Over $5000 and Fraud Over $5000.

“AFKA has been fully cooperative throughout this investigation, and we truly feel for them, as that’s the last thing you ever want to discover about an employee,” Constable Shawn Joseph expressed. “We suggest organizations segregate their accounting functions and use a system of checks and balances to ensure no one person has control over multiple significant parts of a financial transaction. A piece of that includes technology; install computer security measures and understand these computer systems and software, and how they might be used to divert money or inventory. Restrict access to computer terminals and records, periodically change entry codes, and check regularly to ensure that security procedures are in effect.”

Businesses should also consider implementing these additional measures to protect themselves and their employees:

Know your employees and supervise them closely; be alert to key indicators of potential theft such as:
1. Sudden, apparent devotion to work and working late
2. Lifestyles are well above salary levels
3. Strong objections to procedural changes related to financial, inventory or supply matters
4. Drug and alcohol abuse
5. Moonlighting with materials available at the business.
6. Evidence of compulsive gambling, persistent borrowing or bad check writing.
Perform background checks on potential hires. Checking references is one important step. But for employees entrusted with handling your money or financial records, a police information check is better.
Add human resources and accounting procedures like mandatory vacations, require multiple signing authorities, use purchase orders, track your business checks, control cash receipts, and conduct regular informal audits.
Use an external auditor, with shorter reporting intervals.
Manage your inventory and use security systems.
Provide a way for employees to report suspected theft or fraud by co-workers.

EPS investigating fatal single vehicle collision

11 Oct 2021 17:00:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a fatal single vehicle collision that reportedly took place in south Edmonton early this morning.

At approximately 2:35 a.m., Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, a Southeast Division patrol officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black 2014 Ford Focus in the area of Whitemud Drive westbound and 91 Street, as the registered owner of the vehicle was listed as a suspended driver. The Ford reportedly did not stop for police and fled at a high rate of speed, travelling westbound on Whitemud Drive and exiting the freeway at the Calgary Trail southbound off ramp. The police vehicle did not pursue. A short time later, the sedan was located in the area of the off ramp at Calgary Trail southbound and Whitemud Drive, where it had reportedly lost control and struck a light pole.

EMS responded, treated and transported a 23-year-old female passenger in the vehicle to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The adult female driver and a 31-year-old male passenger succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

EPS Major Collision Investigations Section (MCIS) continues to investigate.

There is no additional information available at this time.