Media Releases

Police charge tow truck owner after vehicle theft

23 Oct 2024 18:29:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged a male after the conclusion of an investigation into a vehicle that was stolen by a tow truck company’s sole owner/operator.

In late June 2024, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) launched an investigation into the business practices of an Edmonton-based tow truck company owner.

Reportedly on June 24, 2024, a collision occurred between two vehicles in the area of 139 Avenue and Castledowns Road. A tow truck operator arrived unsolicited on scene and the damaged vehicle was towed to a storage lot. It was reported that the company’s operator would only release the vehicle with a towing fee payment provided by an insurance company. Thankfully, the vehicle was returned to its owner.

On Monday, October 7, 2024, Hasan Qasim Al Adhban, 48, of Super Towing Ltd. was charged with theft over $5,000.

“Edmontonians have the right to select the tow truck company of their choice when they are involved in a collision,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates with EPS’ Traffic Safety Unit. “When towing companies show up unannounced to collisions, that’s a red flag. Trust your intuition and call police immediately if a towing company is attempting to move your vehicle without your consent.”

Hasan Qasim Al Adhban has a court date on November 4, 2024.

Vehicle theft investigations are built on the information that is provided to the EPS. If you believe a tow truck company has taken your vehicle, call the Seized Vehicle Section at 780-496-8668 before you make a police report to see if your vehicle is there.

When filing a police report, be sure to note the following applicable information that’s available on our website so we can work with you to investigate your complaint:

Year, make, model and colour of the vehicle
Licence number
Vehicle identification number
Special markings, including dents, scratches and other damage

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Police seek public’s assistance identifying theft suspects

22 Oct 2024 20:48:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s assistance identifying suspects in a jewelry store theft that occurred earlier this month.

On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m., two suspects, one male and one female, entered a jewelry store in West Edmonton Mall. The female suspect distracted an employee as the male suspect slipped behind the counter and selected a quantity of gold chains before the two suspects left the store. The estimated value of the stolen merchandise is believed to be over $115,000.00.

The male suspect involved in this theft is described as approximately 5’8” with short dark hair and brown eyes, wearing a black sweater, grey pants, and white shoes with black soles.

The female suspect is described as approximately 5’4” with dark long straight hair and brown eyes, wearing a black long sleeve shirt with a black vest overtop, a black skirt and black boots. She was carrying what appears to be a Burberry purse.

The two suspects reportedly had Eastern European accents.

Assist to ID: male and female suspects involved in theft

“This was a very brazen theft where the two suspects acted together” said Const. Alex Sutton of the EPS West Branch. “We are hopeful that someone recognizes them and comes forward to police.”

Police seek public’s assistance identifying arson suspect

22 Oct 2024 16:00:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in an arson from July of this year that occurred in northeast Edmonton.

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) were dispatched to the report of a residential fire on Fraser Vista Boulevard Northwest. Upon arrival, a number of homes were on fire, with four homes experiencing extensive damage and two homes considered complete losses. The total damage is estimated at $4.5 million.

Police have since determined that the initial fire was started between 5:55 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

The suspect in this arson is described as male, 5’6” to 5’10”, wearing a black ‘Levi’s’ sweater over a grey hoodie, black pants and grey shoes.

Assist to ID: arson suspect

“After a lengthy investigation, we are now confident that the individual in this CCTV image is indeed the suspect responsible for the arson,” said Det. Roggie Bourque of the EPS Investigative Response Team. “Anyone who knows his identity is encouraged to contact police immediately.”

Arrest made after serious injury collision involving stolen vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed

21 Oct 2024 23:11:00 UT

Edmonton Police Service Major Collision Investigation Section (MCIS) officers are investigating a serious collision that occurred in northeast Edmonton yesterday evening.

On Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at approximately 4:39 p.m., police responded to serious collision in the area of 132 Avenue and 82 Street. It was reported that the 31-year-old male driver of a Toyota Prius was travelling at a high rate of speed westbound on 132 Avenue at 82 Street when it went through a red light and struck a northbound Hyundai Elantra with two women, ages 35 and 37, and a child in the vehicle.

EMS responded, treated and transported the male driver of the Toyota to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Upon further investigation, police determined that the Toyota was stolen. Police seized a knife, stolen property as well as a shotgun shell. An open alcohol container was also located inside the stolen vehicle.

The women in the Hyundai were taken to hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The child in the vehicle was also taken to hospital for precautionary measures and has since been released.

Cody Slade Desjarlais, 31, has been charged with 13 offences, including impaired operation causing bodily harm (x2), dangerous operation causing bodily harm (x2), possession of stolen property over $5,000 and possession of stolen property under $5,000. Additional charges are pending following the conclusion of the MCIS investigation.

His next court date is Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.

Police seek public’s assistance identifying suspect involved in assault on ETS driver

20 Oct 2024 20:24:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s assistance identifying a suspect who assaulted an Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) bus driver and damaged a property yesterday.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at approximately 7:40 a.m., it was reported to police that a male suspect assaulted an ETS driver in the area of 117 Street and Jasper Avenue before fleeing on foot. No injuries to transit riders were reported and the bus driver was treated and transported to hospital by EMS for further evaluation.

Upon further investigation, officers determined that the same male suspect was also responsible for damaging a library in the area of 102 Avenue and 99 Street that day at around 6:10 a.m.

The suspect is described as a 38-45-year-old white male with short brown hair and a muscular build who is approximately 6’0”. He was last seen wearing glasses, a blue sweater, grey sweatpants, rubber boots and was carrying a green shopping bag, as pictured below.

Assist to ID: male suspect involved in assault

Autopsy complete, suspect arrested in recent homicide

19 Oct 2024 20:15:00 UT

A 33-year-old Edmonton man who was wanted in relation to a homicide that took place earlier this week has been arrested.

Yesterday, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, the Edmonton Medical Examiner’s Office completed an autopsy on Aaron Staszko, 32, and determined that he died as a result of injuries caused by an edged weapon. The manner of death is confirmed to be homicide.

Later that day, Michael Ferreira, 33, who was wanted for second degree murder in relation to the man’s death, was located and arrested by a Northeast Branch Patrol officer. Ferreira is also facing charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats in relation to his interactions with a 35-year-old woman during the initial disturbance incident. All three people were known to one another.

EPS would like to thank the public and its media partners for their assistance in this investigation.

Background information

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at approximately 11:32 a.m. police responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence in the area of 34 Street and 138 Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located a severely injured 32-year-old male in critical condition.

EMS responded, treated and transported the male to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police subsequently issued an arrest warrant for a male suspect, Michael Ferreira, and a media release was issued in an attempt to locate him.

Police seek public’s assistance identifying two suspects involved in theft at animal shelter

18 Oct 2024 23:34:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking the public’s assistance identifying two suspects who were involved in a theft at an animal shelter in southeast Edmonton earlier this week.

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 at approximately 6 p.m., it was reported to police that two female suspects had taken items, including cash, a safe and corporate credit card, from the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society. Thankfully, no employees, visitors or animals were hurt.

The first suspect is described as having brown hair and brown eyes and was wearing sunglasses on her head, a grey hoodie, a black crossbody bag, ripped blue jeans and black shoes.

Assist to ID: first of two female suspects

The second suspect is described as having dark brown or black hair and was wearing a black jacket with white stripes on the arms and blue jeans. After the theft occurred, both suspects fled in an older model silver Nissan Pathfinder.

Assist to ID: second of two female suspects

Suspect vehicle: older model silver Nissan Pathfinder

Nearly 1,500 traffic violations issued during “Operation 24 Hours”

18 Oct 2024 20:20:00 UT

Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers and City of Edmonton automated enforcement issued a total of 1,342 traffic violations during the most recent Operation 24 Hours, which was held on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Of the total 1,342 traffic violations, a combined (automated and manned enforcement) 922 were solely related to speed. There were also 419 other violations, which included 86 red light violation infractions, 231 non-hazardous TSA infractions (equipment, documents etc.), 80 hazardous infractions (moving violations), 15 distracting driving violations, 6 criminal code driving offences, and 1 other criminal code charge related to a vehicle stop.

That evening, at approximately 11:04 p.m., Major Collision Investigation Section (MCIS) intercepted and clocked a Hyundai Genesis travelling 121 km/hr in a posted 60 km/hr zone in the area of Roper Road and 42 Avenue. The 19-year-old driver was issued a mandatory summons under the Traffic Safety Act.

“As Edmonton is predicted to experience its first snowfall in the coming days, it’s important that all drivers take road safety seriously,” says S/Sgt. Robert Davis with EPS’ Specialized Traffic Section. “Our members will continue to crack down on traffic violations that needlessly put both drivers and pedestrians at risk.”

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.

Police seek witnesses, video following serious personal robbery

17 Oct 2024 22:00:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is seeking witnesses and video footage following a personal robbery that left an adult male seriously injured late last month.

At 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, police responded to a personal robbery in the area of 63 Avenue and Gateway Blvd. It was reported to police that a 59-year-old male was riding a bicycle eastbound on the north sidewalk of 63 Avenue under the train bridge east of Gateway Blvd, when a male on foot pushed the man into the roadway. The male then stole the 59-year-old’s bicycle and fled the area westbound.

Several passersby stopped to assist the injured male and immediately contacted emergency services. EMS then responded, treated and transported the male to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. On Oct. 8, 2024, police were informed the man’s injuries were more serious than originally thought and may have long term impacts. He has since been released from hospital.

The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s who was carrying a brown backpack. The stolen bicycle was a black TREK bike, originally silver in color but spray-painted black, with a suspension fork on the front and wire baskets on the front and rear.

Police continue to search for the suspect and are asking anyone who witnessed this robbery or was driving in the area at the time with an active dash camera to come forward. A map of the incident location is included below.

Personal robbery location: 63 Avenue and Gateway Blvd

“The injuries experienced by our victim are serious and may have long-lasting impacts,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Michal Kaliszuk. “Several individuals stopped to help him following this robbery and may have information that will help us locate a suspect. If you are one of these people, please contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has information about this robbery 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 seek assistance identifying two people of interest in firearms investigation

17 Oct 2024 20:30:00 UT

Police are seeking witnesses and information on the identities of two people of interest in relation to a shooting that occurred in the Duggan area.

On September 25, 2024 at approximately 9:50 p.m., a group of people were gathered near a white SUV that was parked in the Duggan Community Hall parking lot when two males approached on foot and shot several bullets toward the group. While no one was injured, several bullets struck nearby residences. Police believe the shooting was targeted.

Surveillance video showing targeted group running for safety

Surveillance video captured two males fleeing the scene. Police are looking for any information on the two shown running in the video below.

Surveillance video of two males fleeing the scene, with multiple rounds of gunfire audible

The two males subsequently fled on foot northbound through the St. Augustine Catholic School field, but were not located. They were last seen running north through Rideau Park.

Map showing the two males’ direction of travel

Anyone with any information regarding the identity of either of the two males 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.