Media Releases

Homicide Section investigating death after early morning shooting

17 Jan 2021 19:58:00 UT

Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man following a shooting just after 6:15 a.m. this morning. Today, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, police were alerted to a weapons complaint in the area of 105 Avenue and 157 Street. Upon arrival, officers located a man inside a residence with life-threatening injuries. The man was treated and transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Homicide Section has taken the lead of the investigation and are asking any residents with video surveillance in the neighborhood to contact police.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.

Missing man located

16 Jan 2021 17:05:00 UT

Tab Milbrath, 55, who was reported missing yesterday, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, has been located safe and unharmed.

The EPS would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.

Police seek public's assistance locating missing man

16 Jan 2021 06:45:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 55-year-old male who was last seen this morning in central Edmonton.

Tab Milbrath, 55, was last seen at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (Kingsway Avenue & 102 Street) at approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

Milbrath is described as a white male with a slim build who is 6’3” tall and approximately 160 lbs. He has long black hair that is worn in a ponytail reaching the middle of his back and has a beard. He may be wearing grey sweatpants, a green plaid shirt with a black shirt underneath, a grey winter jacket, a grey toque and black shoes.

Missing Person: Tab Milbrath, 55

Milbrath is deaf and has other medical conditions that may make communication difficult. He also requires regular medication. As a result, police are concerned for his welfare. Investigators do not suspect foul play at this time.

Anyone with information regarding Milbrath’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.

Police seize thousands in cash and drugs following drug trafficking investigation

15 Jan 2021 23:10:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has seized more than $80,000 in drugs and cash following a three-month long drug trafficking investigation.

In October 2020, EPS Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) Unit initiated an investigation into the suspected drug dealing activities of a 36-year-old male living in the Edmonton area. On Friday, Jan 8, 2021, EDGE Unit, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team and the EPS Tactical Unit, executed search warrants at two residences, one in Pinnacle Ridge Estates in Sturgeon County and the other in Sherwood Park. Three individuals, a male and two females, were arrested as a result. During the search of the Sturgeon County property and a vehicle, police located a variety of drugs, weapons, ammunition, identity documents and cash, including:

102.4 grams fentanyl (approximate street value of $25,000)
189.9 grams of methamphetamine (approximate street value of $15,200)
2 L of GHB (approximate street value of $2,000)
3.6 grams of cocaine hydrochloride (approximate street value of $300)
A large variety of drug paraphernalia and items consistent with the production of controlled substances
A loaded 12-gauge shotgun
Two rounds of .40 caliber ammunition
One spent .40 caliber casing
19 rounds of .30-06 ammunition
38 rounds of .308 ammunition
Two sets of soft body armour
Numerous counterfeit and fraudulent identity documents, including fake firearms licenses
Numerous pieces of equipment used for the manufacturing of fraudulent identity documents
Approximately $39,000 in cash

Photos of some of the items seized are included below.

Landon Borkowski, 36, Carley Rycroft, 27, and Ashley Sherwin, 40, are facing over 35 combined criminal charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, production of a controlled substance, proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of identity documents, possess body armour without valid permit and possession of a firearm/ammunition contrary to an order. Borkowski is also facing charges under the Child and Family Enhancement Act and the Drug Endangered Children Act due to the readily accessible nature of drugs and firearms located in the presence of a child.

Man arrested for alleged child abduction

14 Jan 2021 00:37:16 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 52-year-old man following an alleged child abduction incident that took place in west Edmonton yesterday afternoon.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2020, West Division officers responded to the report of a suspicious person in the area of 177 Street and 69 Avenue. It was reported to police that an adult male was attempting to lure a child away from the area. Upon arrival, police were directed by a witness to a nearby shopping complex where they located the child and took the male suspect into custody without incident. The accused also had two imitation firearms in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Curtis Allan Poburan, 52, has since been charged with abduction of a child under the age of 14 years, criminal harassment, use imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of an imitation weapon for the purpose of committing an offence (x2), carry a concealed weapon (x2), breach of probation order(x3) and failure to comply with an order.

Investigators believe there may be additional complainants and are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized in a similar way to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.

The child is receiving support from the Zebra Child Advocacy Centre. To find information about the support provided by the Zebra Child Advocacy Centre, visit their website. Information about online luring and child abuse can be found on the Canadian Centre for Child Protection website.

Assist to locate: suspect in shooting wanted on warrants

11 Jan 2021 21:11:23 UT

The Edmonton Police Service has issued arrest warrants for Ayoub Ali, 24, who is a suspect in a New Year’s Eve shooting.

At approximately 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2020, it was reported that a male had been shot during an altercation at a small gathering in a residence in the area of 106 Street and 10 Avenue. The 24-year-old male victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but is now recovering.

Ayoub Ali, 24, is wanted on warrants for eight charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a prohibited firearm.

Investigators believe Ali is in possession of a firearm. He is therefore considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Ayoub Ali, 24

Ali is a Black male, 5’9” tall and weighing approximately 130 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who sees Ali is asked not to approach him and call police immediately.

Anyone with any information related to the shooting or Ali’s whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS 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.

Autopsies conducted on two deceased; deaths confirmed as homicides

11 Jan 2021 18:50:00 UT

The EPS Homicide Section continues to investigate the circumstances around the deaths of two people found deceased inside a residence last week. Around 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 6., 2021, police attended a home in the area of 111 Street and 78 Avenue under suspicious circumstances. Upon arrival, officers located a deceased man and woman.

An autopsy was completed on 29-year-old Deidra Aldridge on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, and an autopsy was completed on 30-year-old Daniel Grandbois on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. The causes of death are not being released at this time for investigative reasons. The manner of death in both cases is deemed to be homicide.

Neither of the victims were residents of the home.

Homicide investigators continue to seek tips from anyone with information about the circumstances that led up to these deaths.

Police seek assistance to identify suspects in pharmacy robberies

08 Jan 2021 17:12:58 UT

The Edmonton Police Service’s Robbery Section is investigating a recent series of south side pharmacy robberies.

Between Dec. 21, 2020 and Jan. 6, 2021, four Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies and one cannabis shop have been the target of armed, violent robberies. The suspects have reportedly used a variety of weapons, including an imitation handgun. In two of the occurrences, pepper spray was discharged at witnesses. Three people suffered effects of pepper spray in the robberies. No other injuries were reported.

The robberies have occurred on:

Dec. 21, 2020 at 8:45 p.m. at the Shoppers Drug Mart at 62 Avenue and 199 Street
Dec. 28, 2020 at 9:50 p.m. at the Shoppers Drug Mart at Rabbit Hill Road and Mullen Way
Jan. 2, 2021 at 10:06 p.m. at Plant Life Cannabis at 101 Avenue and 186 Street
Jan. 4, 2021 at 9:53 p.m. at Shoppers Drug Mart at Webber Greens Drive
Jan. 6, 2021 at 10:35 p.m. at Shoppers Drug Mart at 111 Street and Ellerslie Road

Investigators are releasing the following images of two male suspects believed to be responsible for this series of robberies.

All images above: first suspect male

Image above: second suspect male

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identities, or who may have witnessed suspicious vehicles or activity at the times and locations of the robberies is asked to come forward by contacting 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 vehicle and person of interest in missing person investigation

07 Jan 2021 23:15:11 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle and driver of interest in the Christmas Eve disappearance of Billie Wynell Johnson.

The vehicle, a black Dodge Ram, was captured on surveillance video leaving the downtown area and headed westbound out of the city between the hours of 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, 2020 and 1:14 a.m. on Christmas Day.

Vehicle of interest: black Dodge Ram (stock photo)

Surveillance video of vehicle of interest

The vehicle was driven by the male pictured below.

Person of interest: male driver of black Dodge Ram

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen the truck and driver on Christmas Eve or observed any suspicious activity involving the truck and driver.

Police continue to look for any information regarding the whereabouts of Billie Johnson, 30, who was last seen in the area of 113 Street and 107 Avenue on the evening of December 24, 2020.

She has dark hair, stands 5’7” tall and weighs approximately 140 lbs. She has a flower tattoo on her left clavicle and a tattoo down her forearm that says “Gianna.” She was last seen wearing tan hiking boots, black pants, a grey or blue FILA sweater, and carrying a small black Adidas tote bag with white writing.

Billie Wynell Johnson, 30

Anyone with information regarding the person and vehicle of interest or Johnson’s whereabouts 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

Three charged in straw buying, firearms trafficking activities

07 Jan 2021 20:39:49 UT

Three men are facing 26 charges in connection to firearms trafficking.

Four Glock 48 handguns purchased through straw-buying

In December 2020, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) became aware of suspicious firearms purchases that indicated the buyer was a “straw buyer,” a term used to describe someone who uses a legitimate Possession and Acquisition Licence to purchase guns legally and then sell them illegally.

On Dec. 23, 2020, it is alleged that the buyer, Marty Wilson, 49, left his residence in Valleyview, AB, and drove to Edmonton, where he purchased four Glock 48 handguns. He then picked up a second male, Daniel Graham, 27, and continued to an address in south Edmonton, where a third male, Gabriel Adam, 28, met with them.

Hours later, Wilson and Graham left the residence and were arrested. Upon arrest, police searched the vehicle the two men were traveling in and located an original Glock box missing one of the recently purchased Glock 48 handguns and one of the two magazines it had originally contained, as well as three other boxes, each containing one Glock 48 handgun and two magazines. Police also located small quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.

Adam was arrested a short time later in a second vehicle, where police located and seized the loaded Glock 48 that was recently purchased by Wilson on the front seat. Throughout the vehicle, police also found approximately 120 g of cocaine with a street value of $12,400; 160 g of fentanyl with a street value of $25,000; and $6,500 CAD in cash.

A search warrant of a Valleyview, AB residence resulted in the seizure of 12 non-restricted firearms.

The men were charged as follows:

-Marty Wilson, 49, with firearms trafficking (x2), possession of firearms for the purposes of trafficking (x4), possession of loaded restricted firearm and alter or deface serial number

-Daniel Graham, 27, with firearms trafficking, possession of firearms for the purposes of trafficking (x4), possession of loaded restricted firearm, alter or deface serial number, unauthorized possession of firearm and possession of a controlled substance (x3)

-Gabriel Adam, 28, with possession of loaded restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of restricted firearm, possession of loaded firearm in vehicle, possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3) and proceeds of crime over $5000.

“Straw purchasing is one of the ways firearms make it into the hands of criminals and onto our streets, and traffickers of firearms can come from many sources,” says Sgt. Eric Stewart, EPS Firearms Investigation Unit. “There are no jurisdictional boundaries to firearms trafficking, and we will be relentless in our pursuit of gun crime in our city and province. We will continue to hold those accountable who choose to commit gun crime, which contributes to the degradation of public safety.”

The EPS is grateful to the RCMP Grande Prairie and Valleyview Detachments, RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST) and the RCMP Emergency Response Team for their assistance in this file.