Media Releases

Police seek public’s assistance to identify carjacking suspects

17 Sep 2019 21:07:47 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is releasing surveillance images of two suspects wanted in connection with an Aug. 30 carjacking in northwest Edmonton.

It was reported to police that on Aug. 30, 2019, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a woman was sitting in her vehicle parked near 121 Avenue and 103 Street, when a white sedan pulled in behind her car.

A female exited the sedan and approached her on foot, before requesting that she call a cab for her.

As the complainant was helping the female, a male exited the same vehicle, approached her and demanded the keys to her vehicle.

It was reported that the male then forcibly stole the complainant’s black 2009 Hyundai Accent and fled the area. The complainant’s vehicle was later located in Valleyview, Alberta, by the RCMP. Police are looking for assistance in identifying these two suspects (see photos below).

Police encourage anyone with information regarding the identity and/or whereabouts of these two suspects or the white sedan suspect vehicle 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: Male and female suspects in connection to an Aug. 30^th carjacking incident in NW Edmonton.

Fall commercial vehicle inspection event takes more than 40 per cent of vehicles out of service

13 Sep 2019 19:43:50 UT

The EPS Commercial Vehicle Inspection Detail pulled 98 commercial vehicles off the road for failing to meet various safety compliance regulations during its recent three-day fall inspection event.

From September 10-12, 2019, Edmonton Police Service officers, along with municipal and provincial partners, inspected 232 commercial vehicles, 98, or 42 per cent of which were deemed to be “out of service” for various safety issues.

Of the remaining 134 vehicles checked, only 72 passed inspection, with another 62 vehicles requiring additional attention. In addition, 138 charges were laid under the Traffic Safety Act to non-commercial traffic passing through the area during the inspections.

“During this fall inspection event, tire concerns and unsecured loads were the most common safety issues we saw,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates with the EPS Traffic Section. “It’s critical that drivers do regular vehicle checks and maintenance, and ensure they’re aware of the proper procedures for securing loads.”

“Overall, the goal of this yearly enforcement operation is to ensure that commercial vehicles and the loads they carry are safe on Edmonton roads.”

For tips on securing cargo, visit Alberta Transportation.

For more information on commercial vehicle inspections and the EPS Commercial Vehicle Inspection Detail visit https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/trafficvehicles/trafficsafety/commercialvehicles

Investigators remove another $370K of drugs, firearms, from city streets

13 Sep 2019 18:42:07 UT

The EPS Targeted Offender Section has arrested and charged four individuals with multiple drug and firearm offences in relation to a recent drug trafficking investigation.

The four suspects, who were released into the community with bail conditions related to previous charges, were being monitored by TOS investigators. Following their recent release, TOS observed activity consistent with drug trafficking.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, investigators executed a search warrant issued under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) at two residences in west Edmonton.

During their search TOS investigators discovered 2.4 kg of methamphetamine worth approximately $240,000 at street level, 960 grams of cocaine worth an estimated $96,000 at street level, 377 fentanyl pills worth an estimated $7,540 and $26, 347 in cash, totalling an estimated $370,000 in illegal drugs.

Investigators also located a handgun with magazine and ammunition in a hidden compartment in a car parked nearby.

Michael Fadel, 34, is charged with multiple offences including:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x8)
Breach of recognizance (x 4)
Breach of firearm prohibition
Firearm offences (x 9)
Proceeds of Crime (x 2)

Talysja Boucher, 29 is charged with:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x8)
Breach of recognizance (x 8)
Firearm offences (x 8)
Proceeds of crime (x 2)

Chanelda Bell, 38 is charged with:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Firearm offence

Matthew Germsheid, 42, is charged with:
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Firearm offence

The mandate of the EPS Targeted Offenders Section (TOS) is to manage offenders on release, enforce judicial conditions and execute criminal warrants.

A hidden compartment discovered by investigators, during a recent drug trafficking investigation. Investigators found a handgun inside.

Police seek public’s assistance locating missing man

13 Sep 2019 02:51:31 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public’s help locating a missing 65-year-old man.

Howard Wraight, 65, was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at a Petro-Canada gas station near 123 Street and 111 Avenue.

Wraight is described as a Caucasian male, 140 pounds, with grey hair and beard. He was last seen wearing a beige dress shirt, blue pants and a maroon-coloured jacket. He was also believed to be wearing a blue toque and blue and white Nike shoes. He also uses tinted prescription glasses.

This individual has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. His disappearance is considered to be out of character.

Anyone with information regarding Howard Wraight’s whereabouts is encouraged to call the Edmonton Police Service Complaint Line at 780-423-4567 or the Edmonton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com/250.

Missing man: Howard Wraight, 65

Investigators release images of person of interest in connection to river valley indecent act series

11 Sep 2019 20:03:11 UT

The Edmonton Police Service Sexual Assault Section is releasing photos of a person of interest in connection with a series of indecent acts that have occurred over the last several months.

A total of 14 incidents have now been reported to police dating back to mid-July with the two most recent incidents occurring yesterday, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, in southwest Edmonton parks.

It was reported to police that at approximately 4:40 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, a male suspect approached an adult female complainant who was enjoying a walk in Buena Vista Park.

The male accosted the female, before exposing himself. The female complainant was able to push the suspect away, at which time the suspect fled the immediate area on foot.

In the second incident, police responded to Emily Murphy Park, after receiving information that a male suspect had attempted to grope a female complainant at approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, while she was out for a run. The male suspect also exposed himself to the woman, before fleeing the area on foot.

The two complainants described the male suspect as being 5'6" or 5'7" tall, with dark skin and short, dark hair. The suspect also had dark facial hair or beard “stubble”, and is believed to be between 30 and 40 years of age.

Investigators would like to speak to the person of interest seen in the accompanying photos. Anyone with information about this individual is encouraged to contact the Edmonton Police Service 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 have increased patrols throughout the area, in an effort to identify a suspect.

Background:
The incidents, which commenced in mid-July, involve a male masturbating in the river valley area below Saskatchewan Drive on the trail system near the Kinsmen Sports Centre.

Incidents have occurred on both sides of the North Saskatchewan River, between the Dudley B Menzies Bridge and 105 Street and on the commuter platform at the Grandin LRT Station. The suspect’s behaviour has recently escalated to include following some of the female complainants, before exposing himself and attempting to grab and/or groping them.

Police seek information after Skip the Dishes driver assaulted and robbed

10 Sep 2019 17:06:00 UT

Northwest Division officers are investigating an assault and robbery, following an incident involving a Skip the Dishes driver.

On Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, Northwest Division officers responded to the report of an assault just after 4 a.m., in the area of 163 Avenue and 100 Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 50-year-old Skip the Dishes driver who was allegedly stabbed and robbed of the food he was delivering to an apartment building.

Investigators believe three male suspects approached the driver and demanded his personal belongings, as well as the food he was delivering. A struggle allegedly ensued between the suspects and the 50-year-old driver, at which time the driver was allegedly stabbed and robbed. The man was treated and transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects are believed to have fled the area in an unknown vehicle.

Investigators are looking to speak with any witnesses or motorists who may have been in the area of 163 Avenue and 100 Street and noted any suspicious activity in the early morning hours of Aug. 30, 2019.

Close to $810,000 of illegal drugs, firearms seized from two different investigations

10 Sep 2019 15:41:26 UT

Two significant EPS drug trafficking investigations have culminated with dozens of charges being laid against three individuals and the confiscation of close to $810,000 of illegal drugs and firearms.

The Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Section (EDGE) and the Targeted Offender Section (TOS) concluded two separate investigations recently, both of which saw a significant amount of dangerous drugs and firearms taken out of Edmonton.

“EPS Chief Dale McFee has made it very clear that we will be relentless on organized crime. It is a critical for our police service to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine and fentanyl, into our communities,” says Acting Insp. Pierre Blais, of the EPS Organized Crime Branch, which oversees EDGE and TOS.

“These drugs are insidious and bring with them a plethora of other societal issues, including increased weapons and violent crime. While these two investigations and subsequent arrests certainly highlight the excellent work of our investigators, they also underscore the increasing importance of our relationship with the public.

“We’re grateful for the public’s trust, as they continue to reach out to police when they observe suspicious behaviour occurring in their neighbourhoods.”

The first investigation saw EDGE investigators arrest Jesse Hughes, 29, and Kaitlyn Byers, 21, of Edmonton on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, following an extensive investigation by EPS Drug and Gang investigators. EDGE members executed a search warrant at a residence in the Blackmud community area in southwest Edmonton, where they seized a plethora of drugs and firearms including:

Drugs:

3.4 kilograms of methamphetamine – Street value of $342,000
348.2 grams of brown fentanyl – Street value of $52,230
51.9 grams of pink fentanyl – Street value of $7,785
332.8 grams of soft cocaine – Street value of $33,280
1.8 kg of Phenacetin – Street value of $7,200
Various drug trafficking paraphernalia (scales, cell phones, packaging, elastic bands, heat sealer, money counter)

The approximate value of drugs and cutting agent seized was $443,000.

Firearms:

A model XT-22 rifle
A Winchester Model 1894 rifle
A FLLI PIETTA 22 calibre rifle with a cut barrel
A 303 calibre rifle with a cut barrel
A Uzkon AS46 shotgun, with a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition inside
A MODJ-15 rifle .223 calibre rifle with an unattached silencer and two empty magazines
A Ruger Mark 4 handgun
Machete, bow and arrow and hatchet
Two sets of body armour
Various rounds of assorted ammunition

Currency:

$6,820 Canadian Currency

Jesse Hughes, 29, has been charged with 23 charges:

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Proceeds of crime over $5,000
Breaching a firearms prohibition
Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition readily available
Unsafe storage of firearms (x7)
Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x5)
Knowingly possess a prohibited/restricted weapon

Kaitlyn Byers, 21, is facing 19 charges including:

Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Proceeds of crime over $5,000
Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition readily available
Unsafe storage of firearms (x7)
Unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon (x7)

In the second investigation, TOS detectives arrested Christopher Hartnett, 30, after discovering a cache of illegal drugs and firearms, while executing a search warrant at his apartment on Aug. 25, 2019, in the community of McConachie in northeast Edmonton.

The drugs seized included:

Drugs:

1,892 grams of methamphetamine – Street value of $189,000
1,000 grams of cocaine – Street value of $70,000
183 grams fentanyl (previously BTB heroin) – Street value of $36,600
1,561 grams marihuana – Street value of $15,600
5ML’s of GHB – Street value of $5
14 Kg of phenacetin – Street value of $56,000

The approximate value of drugs seized was $367,200.

Firearms:

40 calibre handgun
A loaded magazine in the gun (chamber empty)

Currency:

$11,139.40 Canadian Currency

Christopher Hartnett, 30, has been charged with:

Breach of Recognizance (x5)
Possession for the purpose of Trafficking (x5)
Proceeds of Crime over $5,000
Firearms charges (x3)

Former teacher charged with sexual assault

09 Sep 2019 21:15:00 UT

Detectives of the Edmonton Police Service’s Sexual Assault Section have charged 29-year-old Robert Liam McGee, a former teacher of Londonderry Junior High School, with sexual assault.

In June of this year, the EPS received a complaint that McGee provided alcohol to a minor and later sexually assaulted her.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, Robert Liam McGee, 29, was charged with sexual assault in relation to this incident.

Police seek public's assistance locating missing man

05 Sep 2019 21:50:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public’s help locating a missing 36-year-old man.

Adam Lingstadt, 36, was last seen at a McDonald’s restaurant in the area of 67 Avenue and 177 Street on July 1, 2019, at approximately 11 p.m.

Lingstadt is described as a 5’10” tall and weighs approximately 150 lbs. He has blue eyes, short dark hair and was last seen wearing a green striped shirt, black pants and red runners. Lingstadt also has several notable tattoos including a gorilla head on his right upper back, a rose on his right shoulder and a skull with octopus tentacles on his right shoulder/arm. Photos of Lingstadt are included below.

Missing: Adam Lingstadt, 36

Lingstadt’s disappearance is considered to be out of character, and as a result, there are concerns for his well-being. There are, however, no indications of foul play at this time.

Anyone who has information about Lingstadt’s disappearance 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.

Sexual Assault Section investigating series of indecent acts in river valley

05 Sep 2019 21:37:39 UT

The Edmonton Police Service Sexual Assault Section is investigating a series of 11 indecent acts that have occurred in and around the city’s river valley over the last several weeks.

The incidents, which occurred between mid-July and most recently on Tuesday, Sept. 2, involve a male masturbating in the river valley area below Saskatchewan Drive on the trail system near the Kinsmen Sports Centre.

Incidents have occurred on both sides of the North Saskatchewan River, between the Dudley B Menzies Bridge and 105 Street. The suspect’s behaviour has recently escalated to include following some of the female complainants, before exposing himself and attempting to grab and/or groping them. Most of the incidents have occurred between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The suspect is described as a tanned or dark-skinned male, between 5’4” and 5’9” tall and 30 to 40 years of age. He has a slim build, short or shaved dark hair and facial hair or beard stubble. Police have stepped up patrols throughout the area.

Investigators are cautioning women who frequent that area or use the trail system to carry a cell phone or communication device with them, travel together with others, when possible, and inform family and/or friends of your plans and timelines for return.

Anyone who may have information about these incidents or a potential suspect is encouraged to contact the Edmonton Police Service 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.