Media Releases

Man arrested in connection to armed robbery series

19 Mar 2019 17:15:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service Robbery Section has arrested and charged a 43-year-old male in connection with a series of armed robberies that occurred in 2018 and 2019.

Between May 2018 and March 2019, four robberies occurred predominantly at Edmonton pharmacies, where it was reported that a male suspect allegedly used a handgun, forcing staff to the floor while he stole pharmaceuticals.

While investigating the most recent March 16, 2019 robbery, police received information that the suspect was located in a St. Albert motel. On Sunday, Mar. 17, 2019, Ronald Jason Fitzgerald, 43, was arrested in St. Albert with the assistance of RCMP.

EPS and RCMP members executed a search warrant on the suspect’s vehicle and motel room, locating stolen items, an imitation firearm (BB gun) and a large quantity of narcotics.

Ronald Jason Fitzgerald, 43, is charged with robbery (x4), use of imitation firearm (x4) and disguise with intent (x4).

The suspect is believed to be connected to similar robberies from 2018 and 2019. Police continue to investigate.

The price of happily ever after

18 Mar 2019 14:00:00 UT

Con was in the hospital when he received a message from a woman who had seen his dating profile. He was happy to have the company while he was confined to the hospital bed - even if it was just over the phone.

She was a United States citizen on an overseas contract as a computer civil engineer. She was a single mom; her son was nine-years-old. Eventually, she would say that she “fell in love with a guy from the internet”.

Months into their chats, she said the camera on her phone was broken but she couldn’t afford to fix it; she needed $600 to replace her phone. He denied her request so she stopped contacting him. Months passed and they started talking again. She asked him for money, “she said she was relying on me to get her and her son to the States.” So he gave what he could towards a new phone- $100. It wasn’t enough, so she stopped talking to him.

Nearly a year later, she asked him if he still loved her; the continued to talk for a couple of weeks and then she told him she was laid off and needed help. He told her to go to the U.S. Embassy for help, but she admitted that it was an illegal work contract. She needed to get home, but she didn’t have enough; she was a mere $1500 short.

The next day, ticket prices went up. He paid the difference. And then her son was diagnosed with malaria. Shortly after, they were in a collision and had hospital bills - she even sent x-rays. But she had money back home; she just needed help paying the hospital bills in order to be released from the hospital. Once she got home she would be able to pay him back. She even “proved” her financial state by sending a picture of her bank accounts in the U.S.A; she just couldn’t access them while overseas.

Sadly, Con’s dream of having a family was used against him by fraudsters. When one of his banks interfered and the Edmonton Police Service investigated his case, this romance scam totalled $143,000.

When you ask Con why he sent the money, he pauses… “Hope that it would be real. Having her and her kid. Money isn’t important. This is; having someone else in the house besides me.”

Now Con wants to share his experience in hopes of deterring any future incidents of romance scams, because Con’s story is not unusual. In 2018, the Edmonton Police Service investigated 11 incidents of romance scams totaling an overall reported loss of $1,115,219.74.

It is important to remember that romance scammers do this for a living – it’s their job and it can be very profitable.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking that these scammers are taking someone’s desire for happiness and using it against them,” Detective Linda Herczeg stated. “They commit all of their time into these scams because it’s their job and it’s lucrative.”

Websites and apps are constantly used for matchmaking, friendship building, and networking. They great, modern tools, but users should be aware of the potential risks when signing up for these tools.

Signs that a social media or dating profile user is a scammer

They ask you for money.
They profile you and tell you everything you want to hear.
They will find out what you are looking for in a relationship and create events that will play on your emotional to get you to send money – sick children, airline tickets to come be with you/marry you so you can be a family.
They groom you for as long as it takes (days, months, years) to get your money by being very attentive, lavishing you with attention, compliments and tell you that they love you. Usually they profess their love early in the relationship.
They are always available because it is usually a group of individuals that are sending you messages, working off a script.
The images of your “loved one” will be stolen off the internet.
Your “loved one” will rarely have a voice conversation with you or have a live conversation via FaceTime or Skype.
Your “loved one” will always have an excuse why they cannot meet you.
They will always find a reason for you to send them more money.

You can find more information on online scams and online dating safety tips on our website.

The EPS reminds citizens that fraud prevention is continuous – we need to recognize it through continual education, report it, and stop it. We ask that you share this information with those in your life who may be a target for romance scams.

If you are a victim of any fraud, please contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile device.

Eight year old boy located after Amber Alert issued

16 Mar 2019 18:10:59 UT

After an Amber Alert was issued last night, an 8-year-old boy was located safe and unharmed at 5:30 a.m. today (March 16, 2019).

The EPS issued an Amber Alert for Noah Ducharme on the evening of March 15, 2019, who had been abducted by his mother earlier that day from a school in Southeast Division.

An off duty Calgary Police Service member spotted Noah with his mother, thanks to the Amber Alert. RCMP members from Okotoks responded and took the mother into custody.

Brianne Hjalte, 31 was charged with one count of abduction under the Criminal Code, Section 283(1).

The EPS would like to thanks citizens who shared the Amber Alert information and for reporting information to police.

Police warn public after recent distraction style thefts targeting seniors

15 Mar 2019 18:30:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is alerting the public following recent reports of distraction style jewelry thefts that appear to be targeting seniors.

On Thursday, March 7, 2019, an 86-year-old female was in the parking lot of a business in the area of 124 Avenue and 153 Street when she was reportedly approached by an unknown male and female in a black Dodge Durango. While speaking to the complainant, the female suspect reportedly placed fake gold rings on the woman’s fingers and a fake gold necklace around her neck, removing the wedding ring and necklace that she was wearing in the process. The suspects then allegedly drove away.

On Sunday, March 10, 2019, a similar incident reportedly took place in the parking lot of a grocery store in the area of 173 Street and Stony Plain Road. A 75-year-old male reported that while attempting to exit his vehicle he was blocked by an unknown female. The female then reportedly placed fake gold jewelry on his hands and wrists, removed his gold watch and quickly left the parking lot with an unknown male in a black SUV.

Investigators believe the two incidents in west Edmonton are linked and may involve the same suspects. In each incident the suspects are described as an adult male and female with a dark skin tone, dark hair and heavy accents that may be Eastern European or Middle Eastern. The female was also described as wearing a full length dress and a head scarf and both suspects reportedly drove rental vehicles that officers believe they may be switching regularly.

Detectives continue to actively investigate these incidents and believe the suspects are likely travelling across Alberta committing similar thefts. As a result, officers are concerned there may be additional complainants in Edmonton and are encouraging them to come forward.

Photos of the fake jewelry used by the suspects are included below.

Police are also warning the public, in particular seniors, to be aware of their surroundings when in parking lots and to be extra vigilant if approached by strangers who are trying to give away or sell something. Citizens are advised to look around when approaching theirs vehicles and, if they notice suspicious individuals approaching, change direction and proceed to the nearest public area.

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized 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.

Charges laid in 2013 assault at Castledowns Road

14 Mar 2019 19:43:10 UT

The Edmonton Police Service, with the assistance of the RCMP in BC and the Abbotsford Police Department, has arrested a man in relation to a serious assault that took place on Jan. 1, 2013 in north Edmonton.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, Benjamen Patrick Kozlovich, 31, was arrested in Chilliwack, BC and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

“The investigation can now be concluded with thanks to witnesses that came forward with important information,” says Det. Paul Kelly of Northwest Division.

Background: On Jan. 1, 2013 at approximately 2:40 a.m. a grey Pontiac Grand Am occupied by three males was waiting in a McDonalds drive-thru located at 15333 Castledowns Road. An unknown male suspect approached the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued where a knife was used by the suspect. Witnesses intervened and the suspect then reportedly fled the scene on foot. Two victims sustained serious injuries as a result of this incident, one of whose injuries are described as life-altering. The EPS issued a news release on Feb. 21, 2019 with a sketch of the suspect asking the public for help in identifying the male.

Thieves targeting electronics in string of personal robberies

14 Mar 2019 19:10:08 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public of increased reports of personal robberies near transit stops.

Since January 5, 2019, EPS officers have investigated 10 similar reports of thefts of electronics throughout Edmonton. The events have occurred at and near LRT stations, transit stations and bus stops throughout the city.

“One of the things we advise citizens is to be aware of their surroundings, wherever they are and at all times,” says Acting Staff Sergeant Mark Kachkowski, with LRT Beats. “We all want to listen to music and look at our phones while we’re getting from A to B, but it’s important to keep your head up, stay alert, and don’t turn your music up so loud that you can’t hear what’s going on around you.”

In each case, multiple suspects approach the complainant while they are walking to or from a bus stop, transit terminal, or LRT station during the evening hours. The suspects reportedly use physical force or threaten the complainants with a weapon. The suspects appear to be targeting personal electronics.

EPS continues to work in partnership with Transit Peace Officers and ETS to support transit safety. This includes a comprehensive transit safety program that uses the presence of uniformed EPS officers, Transit Peace Officers and other security measures such as site-specific security guards and onsite security cameras to keep Edmontonians safe.

EPS and Transit Peace Officers have also added additional joint shifts that focus on high visibility and high incident areas to further deter disorder. These joint shifts complement the EPS LRT Beats team to maintain a highly visible, uniformed presence.

Citizens should also always keep in mind the following:

Remain alert to their surroundings at all times
Travel with others if possible
Know the location of emergency blue phones, yellow touch strips located above the window on LRT cars and red LRT emergency push buttons
If you see something suspicious, tell an onsite uniformed security guard (wearing a high-visibility yellow vest), any ETS uniformed staff member or police
Travel through lit areas at night
If traveling alone, advise a friend or family member of where you are going and your estimated arrival time
Avoid displaying expensive electronics in your possession
Call 911 in any emergency

More safety tips are available on the EPS website.

Man charged for alleged bogus business deal; police seek additional complainants

14 Mar 2019 17:30:52 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking additional complaints after charging a 48-year-old Edmonton man with fraud related to an alleged bogus business deal.

On Monday, March 4, 2019, two complainants approached police about a $70,000 investment they had made in a business deal that they believed may not be legitimate. It was reported to police that Brian Desmond Penney, 48, had approached them with an opportunity to invest in a steel fabrication business. Penney reportedly asked the complainants for money to pay for start-up costs for the business. After conducting a background information search on Penney, the complainants became concerned the opportunity may not be real and they immediately contacted police.

Investigators with the EPS Economic Crimes Section believe that Penney had no intention of establishing the business and on Thursday, March 7, 2019, Penney was arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000.

Detectives are currently investigating similar incidents involving Penney and believe that he has been defrauding individuals for over a year. As a result, they believe there may be other complainants and are releasing his photo to encourage them to come forward.

Brian Desmond Penney, 48

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 250 lbs

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Penney can 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 investigate fatal collision on the Henday

14 Mar 2019 16:30:00 UT

The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a fatal collision that occurred on the Henday in southwest Edmonton yesterday evening.

At approximately 5:40 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Southwest Division officers responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of Anthony Henday Drive and 62 Avenue.

It was reported to police that a Dodge Journey was travelling southbound on Anthony Henday Drive past 62 Avenue in the right lane when it suddenly slowed down. The Journey was reportedly straddling two lanes when it was struck on the rear passenger side by a motorcycle that was also travelling southbound in the right lane.

EMS responded, treated and transported the 31-year-old male motorcyclist to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. There were no other injuries reported in this collision.

The EPS Major Collision Investigations Section continues to investigate.

Detailed obituaries may lead to identity fraud

14 Mar 2019 16:30:00 UT

As part of Fraud Prevention Month, the Edmonton Police Service is warning families to be cautious about how much information they include in obituaries.

In one recent example, city police are investigating identity fraud involving one suspect who has allegedly used obituary information to commit more than 110 instances of fraud since July 2018.

“It’s an awful thing to have to think about when your loved one has just passed away,” says Det. Liam Watson with Northeast Division’s Criminal Investigation Section. “But unfortunately, information like a birth date or details about an employer may be all a criminal needs to steal your family member’s identity.”

Suspects in these types of frauds use information provided in public obituaries to contact former employers, utility providers and other sources. Through social engineering (such as deception and manipulation techniques), they are able to gain further personal details about the deceased and use this information to commit identity fraud.

Police are encouraging families to take the following proactive steps when a loved one passes away:

When posting an obituary, do not use the day and month of birth of the deceased. Try not to include information on employment history or home address.
If acting as an executor for an estate:
- Alert credit bureaus at the earliest opportunity, so a flag can be placed on the deceased’s profile.
- Alert Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Service Canada, so a flag can be placed on the deceased’s social insurance number and CRA account.
- Inform the financial institutions used by the deceased, as well as utility providers, including cell phone provider.
- Monitor bank and utility account activity until they are closed.

You may be asked to provide a copy of the certificate of death and a copy of the will identifying the executor to complete the above steps.

In 2018, there were three additional investigations related to information being taken from obituaries. The deceased’s identities were fraudulently used in the following ways:

A condo was fraudulently rented using the deceased’s name. The suite was then abandoned, and the rent left unpaid.
The deceased’s identity was used to sell a vehicle, open a telephone account and obtain a rental vehicle.
The deceased’s vehicle, containing a wallet with a driver’s license, Alberta health card, SIN card, debit card, and two cell phones, was stolen.

The individuals responsible were identified and charged with various fraud and identity theft related charges.

Obituary information is also used to commit other scams/frauds:

Grandparent scam – the fraudster contacts the surviving spouse and uses the name of one of the grandchildren listed in the obituary, as well as personal information they find on the grandchild’s social media sites or through internet searches.
Employment scam – through social engineering, the fraudster obtains the deceased’s personal information and uses it to acquire employment under the deceased’s name, thereby directing the income tax owed to the identity of the deceased.
Income/benefits fraud – the deceased’s identity is used to apply for senior’s benefits and pensions through the federal government or to redirect pensions or benefits the deceased was receiving to someone else.
Bank fraud – bank accounts, lines of credit and credit cards are opened in the deceased’s name.

Police lay charges in serious Whitemud Drive collision

12 Mar 2019 22:06:18 UT

The Edmonton Police Service Traffic Section has charged a 49-year-old male driver in relation to a serious collision on Whitemud Drive last month.

On Saturday, Mar. 9, 2019 Simon Simbizeye, 49, the driver of the Dodge Nitro, was issued an appearance notice for careless driving and drive at unreasonable rate of speed. He is expected in court on April 26, 2019.

Background

At approximately 8:15 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, Southwest Division officers responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of Whitemud Drive westbound and Fox Drive.

It was reported to police that a blue Lexus RX350 travelling westbound on Whitemud Drive near the Fox Drive exit lost control, striking the centre barrier between the west and eastbound lanes of the freeway. The female driver of the Lexus reportedly exited her vehicle and was speaking with another motorist who had stopped to assist her when a black Dodge Nitro, travelling westbound on Whitemud Drive, slid into her and came to a stop in the far right lane of the freeway.

EMS responded, treated and transported the 31-year –old female of the Lexus to hospital with serious injuries where she remains. The 49-year-old male driver of the Nitro was also treated and transported to hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.

Police believe speed and vehicle maintenance were factors in this collision. Impairment was not considered a factor.