Police continue to search for the girl’s grandmother, Darlene Ann Dickie, 49. Dickie was last seen driving a black 2012 Ford Escape with the Alberta licence plate number, BHC3657.

Media are requested to remove the girls’ name and photo from all postings.

Darlene Dickie, 49, is described as (see photo below):

• 5'4" tall
•  130 pounds
• Long reddish, blond hair.
• She wears glasses.
• Wearing at navy blue winter jacket
• Grey/black pants.

Investigators do not believe the incident is criminal in nature, at this time.

Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of these individuals is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

The suspect was recognized by security staff at Londonderry Mall at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, after a merchant crime alert with surveillance photos of the suspect was circulated by the police.  EPS Northeast Division patrol officers coordinated with mall security, and took the suspect into custody without incident as he exited the mall.  Police have not recovered the weapon that was allegedly used in the assault and car theft.

Ryan Neil Charette, 29, was charged on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, with robbery with a firearm (x2), use imitation firearm during the commission of an indictable offence (x2), possession of controlled substance, and breach conditions of recognizance (x2). The accused has been remanded until his next court appearance on Feb. 14, 2014.

Background:
EPS West Division patrol officers responded to a report of vehicle being stolen from its owner at gunpoint in the area of 170 Street and 99 Avenue at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014.  It was reported that a 46-year-old woman was walking with a 7-year-old girl in the parking lot of a retail strip mall when she was approached by an unknown man.  The man allegedly pointed what appeared to be a handgun, and demanded the woman’s purse and car keys.  The woman and girl attempted to flee, but the man allegedly threw the woman to the ground and assaulted her.  Numerous bystanders intervened, but the man pointed his weapon at them and everyone ran for safety.  It was also reported that the unknown man ran towards a bystander’s vehicle that was left running nearby, and threatened the 56-year-old male owner of the vehicle with the gun, before stealing the car and fleeing the scene.  The woman suffered undetermined injuries.  Police asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect and locating the stolen vehicle.  EPS West Division officers investigated and coordinated with other EPS units, and sent out a merchant crime alert to help warn businesses of the incident.  EPS Northeast Division patrol officers located the stolen vehicle in the area of 149 Avenue and 66 Street at approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014.  The vehicle was seized by police for forensic testing.

Southwest Division members responded to a strip mall parking lot near 39 Avenue and Calgary Trail, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, after being notified by an observant passerby that a young child had allegedly been left unattended in a vehicle.

Upon arrival, Southwest Patrol members discovered a two-year-old girl alone in a vehicle that was not running. Witnesses told police the child had been in the vehicle for approximately 40 minutes.

Patrol members broke a window and retrieved the child from the vehicle. Paramedics were called out and determined the girl was cold, but otherwise in good health.

A 32-year-old Edmonton woman returned to her vehicle shortly thereafter and was charged with cause a child to be in need of intervention under Section 130 of the CYFEA.

Southwest Division members responded to 98 Street and 79 Avenue at approximately 8:15 a.m., Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, after receiving a report of a personal robbery.

The 42-year-old complainant told police she was walking to a nearby bus stop, when she was approached from behind by an unknown male. The male suspect is alleged to have punched the woman several times, before pushing the complainant to the ground and fleeing the area with her purse.

The suspect was last seen running eastbound on 79 Avenue and then south on 98 Street.

The male suspect is described as Aboriginal, approximately 45 yrs of age and 5’9"-5'10” tall. He has a  slender build with dark eyes and a pock-marked face.  He was wearing a red toque, a dark blue coat, light-coloured pants and winter boots at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information about this personal robbery is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014 Northeast Division patrol members observed a red GMC pick-up truck driving erratically and travelling at a high rate of speed, southbound on 97 Street at 132 Avenue. The vehicle continued into an industrial area near 129 Avenue, and 144 Street, where it came to a stop. 

When patrol officers approached the vehicle on foot, the truck accelerated backwards towards the officers.  Both officers then drew their firearms and discharged shots. Two tires on the vehicle were disabled and no one was injured during the incident.   

A criminal flight was initiated by the suspect vehicle and with the assistance of Air-1 and a Canine Unit team, the vehicle was eventually stopped by patrol officers in the area of 144 Avenue and 140 Street.  

Two suspects were arrested without incident and a male was charged.  

The 46-year-old driver of the truck has been charged with assault with a weapon, dangerous driving, criminal flight, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and driving while disqualified.

The female passenger was arrested on outstanding warrants but later released.

The EPS notified ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) of the incident, and the EPS has been instructed to continue with the investigation.

It was reported that the Honda Civic was travelling at a high rate of speed just before the collision occurred. Both vehicles were traveling westbound on Yellowhead Trail, at approximately 129 Street, at the time of the collision.

The driver of the Civic was thrown from his seat and partially through the windshield during the collision, causing serious injuries. Witnesses at the scene provided immediate first aid before the arrival of EMS. Paramedics treated the man and he was taken to hospital, where he’s in critical but stable condition.

The driver of the bobtail did not report any injuries at the time.

The westbound lanes of Yellowhead Trail, between 127 Street and St. Albert Trail, were closed until 5 a.m. this morning, while Major Collision Investigation Unit members conducted their investigation.

It’s believed that speed and alcohol may be factors in the collision. Charges are pending against the driver of the Honda Civic. The file is still under investigation.

Traffic surveys conducted recently by EPS in Southwest Division, highlight the need to remind motorists to slow down and adhere to all traffic laws near schools.

“As any parent can attest, the roadways around schools are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate due to the volume of traffic flow through these areas,” said Const. Andre Paul, of EPS Southwest Division, a part of the city that boasts 67 schools, the highest concentration of educational facilities in the city.

“Combine that with icy roadways and school bus traffic and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. We want to ensure all of our children get to school and home safely, and to accomplish that we need our partners, the public, to drive responsibility.”

Between Oct. 30, 2013 and Nov. 19, 2013, police monitored nine schools throughout the Southwest corridor and recorded numerous traffic infractions by both drivers and pedestrians, including crosswalk violations, failing to stop for pedestrians, failing to come to a complete stop, failing to wear a seatbelt, disobeying traffic signals, jaywalking and distracted driving.

While motorists can face fines upwards of $587 for various school zone traffic infractions, it is often children and their families who could pay the highest price when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle.

“Enforcement is certainly one of the tools we can employ, but police can’t be everywhere,” said Const. Paul. “We need the public to be aware that in the few minutes that they save by rushing to and from a school to deliver and pick-up children, they could also tragically alter, not only their lives, but the lives of others, forever. “It’s not worth it.”

Police noted close to 800 traffic infractions that occurred in and around the nine schools that were monitored in Southwest Edmonton over a three-week period.

Southwest Division Patrol members responded to a mischief call from EPCOR just after midnight, Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, south of Ellerslie Road near 141 Street. Upon arrival, patrol members discovered a fire hydrant had been tampered with and was spilling a significant amount of water throughout Chappelle, a new subdivision in the area.

Shortly thereafter, it was reported that a motorist travelling through the area lost control of his vehicle on the ice-covered roadway, which had since frozen.

Police are also investigating a similar incident of mischief that occurred earlier this week near Armour Link and Armour Bend Roads in Southwest Edmonton. A second EPCOR hydrant was tampered with sometime between 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, spilling a large volume of water throughout a new subdivision.

Police are concerned, as the hydrant breaches represent a significant threat to public safety given the level of water pressure that occurs when they’re breached.

Hydrants that have been tampered with can also compromise the water pressure levels in the area, which can impact the response of firefighters, should they receive a fire call in the area.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or any potential suspects is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.  

Chico Cardinal, 24, is arrestable for break and enter commit assault (x2), choking to overcome resistance, unlawful confinement, and breach of conditions (x4).

Cardinal may be in the company of his two-year-old son and police are concerned for the child’s welfare.

Cardinal is an Aboriginal male, 6-feet tall, 190 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He is blind in the left eye and has several noticeable tattoos; on his right thumb, left shoulder, and both forearms.

 
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone.  Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm. 

Chico Cardinal, 24, turned himself in at Police Headquarters, late in the evening on Feb. 8, 2014 and was charged with break and enter commit assault (x2), choking to overcome resistance, unlawful confinement, and breach of conditions (x4).

The two-year-old boy was also found safe and sound.

It was reported that the accused, who volunteered for a youth organization, began sexual texting with a 12-year-old female from the same organization in early 2013. It is also alleged that in July 2013, the male had sexually assaulted the girl at her parent’s residence.

Police were contacted by the girl’s father in November, 2013, after he discovered sexually-related content on his daughter’s cell phone.

Investigators have arrested and charged Ryan Hammermeister (see photo below) with:

-Luring a child (to make pornography)
-Luring a child (to commit sexual assault)
-Sexual assault
-Sexual interference
-Invitation to sexual touching

It was reported to police that a 59-year-old male had entered a coffee shop in the area 50 Street and 167 Avenue at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014.  The male allegedly left his Pontiac Grand Am running with the keys in the ignition while he entered the coffee shop for a few minutes.  Four youths who were sitting inside the coffee shop allegedly ran outside to the unattended vehicle and drove off.  The owner of the vehicle immediately contacted police to report the vehicle stolen.

At approximately 7:00 a.m., the stolen car passed by an unmarked EPS vehicle conducting laser speed enforcement along Anthony Henday Drive and 82 Street.  The car was travelling westbound on Anthony Henday at a high rate of speed, and did not pull over when the police vehicle activated its emergency equipment and attempted a vehicle stop.  The police vehicle radioed dispatch for support and called off the pursuit in the interest of public safety.  The police vehicle continued to observe the car from a distance, and watched it exit the Anthony Henday northbound onto 127 Street, where it lost control and went into the ditch.

EPS Northeast Division patrol officers and an EPS Canine Unit converged as the four occupants fled the car.  Two teens were quickly arrested, and the other two teens turned themselves in shortly afterwards.  There were no injuries reported.  The stolen Pontiac Grand Am suffered front-end and undercarriage damage and was returned to its owner.

A 16-year-old male has been charged with possession of stolen property, hit and run, speeding, driving without valid operator’s licence, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to stop for a police officer, and breach of conditions.  A 14-year-old male has been charged with possession of stolen property, and breach of conditions.  A 15-year-old male has been charged with possession of stolen property, and breach of conditions.  A 16-year-old female has been charged with possession of stolen property.  The names of the youths will not be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

“Theft of running vehicles is a problem that we see especially at this time of year,” says Const. Tedd Benesch with the EPS Northeast Division Traffic Enforcement Unit.  “It’s a crime of opportunity and thieves are always looking for a ‘hot car’ that is left running with the keys inside.  Avoid leaving your vehicle idling with the keys inside, and always double check that your vehicle is locked.”

There have been four such thefts in the last week, and 11 thefts in total since the beginning of January 2014.  At this time, the trend is localized to the northeast part of the city in the communities of Balwin, Beverly Heights, Belvedere, Delwood, and Ozerna.  The thefts have typically been happening over weekends, from midnight to the early morning hours.  There have not been any similar trends in north Edmonton since September 2013.

Thieves have targeted tailgates on newer-model trucks, but there have been reports of tires, a front grill, and a set of tail lights being stolen as well.  Tailgates represent almost half of the reported thefts (45 per cent), as they can be removed easily, and can cost up to $4,500 to replace.

“It’s hard for people to believe that truck tailgates would be stolen, but there’s a market for them like other auto parts,” says Const. David Webber with EPS Northeast Division.  “There are individuals who have been involved in a collision or have damaged their tailgate, who steal the part rather than buying it.  Stolen parts also surface at discounted prices in online classifieds or at auto shops. Sometimes people buy the part without realizing it’s stolen.”   

Anti-theft tips:

• Park in a locked garage, or a well-lit, highly-visible, high-traffic area.  Back into a parking stall, and park with your truck’s tailgate as close to a building or other vehicle to prevent the tailgate from being opened.
• Remove unsecured items from your truck bed, or install proper locking mechanisms such as special lug nuts for spare tires.
• Install an alarm system in your vehicle with a tailgate actuator that locks at the same time as the other doors.
• Always lock your tailgate.  Many trucks have factory-installed locks, and aftermarket lock assemblies are also available.  Or, attach a tailgate padlock, or simple hose or locking easy clamp where the tailgate lifts out. 
• Etch the vehicle identification number or a personal identification number into the vehicle part.  This will make it easier to recover the part if stolen.
• Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to police as soon as possible.

For more information about protecting property from theft, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/crimeprevention.

If you experience an auto theft crime in progress, please call 911.  If you wish to report a theft from auto, please contact the Edmonton Police Service by visiting a divisional station, calling 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone, or logging onto www.edmontonpolice.ca/ContactEPS/OnlineCrimeReporting.

In most of the incidents, the same male suspect approaches a female complainant in a grocery store parking lot, distracts her with a contrived story or approaches from behind and aggressively takes the complainant’s purse, before fleeing the area in a truck.

The most recent incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, in a grocery store parking lot located near 97 Street and 23 Avenue. A female shopper was putting away her shopping cart, when a male suspect in a vehicle drove up beside her and removed her purse from her arm. The complainant was also struck in the face by the suspect, before fleeing the area.  

Investigators believe the suspect then attempted to use bank cards from the complainant at a local financial institution the next day, Monday, Feb. 10, at approximately 1 p.m. (see photo below).

The earlier incidents occurred as follows:

• Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 @ 8:20 p.m. – Grocery store parking lot, 100 Ave. and 170 St.
• Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 @ 2:50 p.m. – Grocery store parking lot, Riverbend Square
• Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 @ 7:20 p.m. – Hair salon, 51 Ave. and 105 St.
• Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 @ 12:30 p.m. – Medical centre, 23 Ave. and 111 St.

In each case, the male suspect was believed to be sitting in a pick-up truck, which was parked near the complainants’ vehicles.

The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male, 30-40 years of age, between 5’10” and 6” feet tall, and around 200 pounds. He has light brown/blonde hair, a broad face, pink complexion and was clean shaven. He was wearing a dark brown jacket a possibly a dark toque at the time of the robberies.

Anyone with information about these personal robberies is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.

Just before 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, a group of about five people were walking north at 105 Avenue on 102 Street, when a 2006 Pontiac Montana drove around the corner and struck one of them, a 25-year-old male. The Pontiac didn’t stop after the collision, continuing north on 102 Street. The group was walking on the road due to a lack of sidewalks in the area.

“The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later near 105 Avenue and 96 Street,” said MCIS Sergeant, Gary Lamont.

The victim, from Wabasca, Alberta, was treated and transported to hospital in life-threatening condition; however he died from his injuries on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The accused, Darnell Belcourt, 19, has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of collision causing death.

The investigation continues with additional charges pending.

Economic Crimes Section’ detectives are investigating numerous incidents involving counterfeit US $50 notes, since the beginning of 2014. A total of 21 counterfeit bills containing similar serial numbers have been used at Edmonton-area businesses.

The serial numbers found on the bogus bills are as follows:

• JG58874300A
• JG66663460A
• JG6663461A

These US $50 notes account for 20 per cent of the counterfeit currency seized by the EPS over the last six weeks.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014, STAT officers in a marked police car were conducting traffic enforcement in the area of 90 Avenue and 175 Street.  Officers observed the driver of a 2004 BMV X5 allegedly texting on a handheld electronic device and conducted a vehicle stop.  While speaking to the driver, officers noted that there was the smell of fresh marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  It was also determined that the driver was the registered owner of the vehicle, and was under a judicial recognizance order prohibiting him from possessing a cell phone/handheld device.

Upon further investigation, officers discovered in the SUV:

• Three 10-litre containers filled with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) “the date rape drug”
• 756 grams of cannabis marijuana
• Approximately $1,000 in cash

Police arrested and charged the driver, and seized the drugs, cash, and SUV (with a combined estimated value of $73,000).  The SUV was seized for civil forfeiture under the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act.

Ryan David Getschel, 31, has been charged with possession for the purposes of trafficking (x2), possession of proceeds of crime, use of handheld electronic device, and breach of recognizance (x3).

“STAT officers patrol areas of the city with traffic enforcement concerns, and target vehicles and occupants involved in illegal activities,” says Sgt. Bill Krull with STAT.  “Every day, these officers intercept traffic violators, suspended or impaired drivers, individuals wanted on warrants, stolen vehicles and property, and weapons and drugs.  STAT continues to have an impact on high-risk drivers and mobile criminals, and in making our streets and communities safer.” 

The EPS Specialized Traffic Apprehension Team (STAT) is part of Chief Rod Knecht’s Violence Reduction Strategy.  In 2013, STAT’s traffic interdiction has been responsible for approximately: 991 arrests, 1,085 criminal charges, 1,303 warrant executions, 15,336 tickets, recovery of 31 stolen vehicles and other property, and the seizures of 30 weapons, 621 vehicles, and $261,000 in cash and drugs.

Southeast Division members and Edmonton firefighters responded to the scene of a small fire in the Mill Creek Ravine between Kassa Road and 35 Avenue, at approximately 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the remains of a mutilated cat, bloody scissors and an animal crate nearby. Three males were located and arrested shortly thereafter with the assistance of Air 1, at a nearby bus stop near 35 Avenue and 37 Street.

The teens are alleged to have stolen a family pet from the home of an acquaintance, before taking it to the nearby ravine, where they fatally stabbed the cat.

Zachary Allen McKinnon, 18, Wendell Mack Mah, 18, and a 14-year-old male who cannot be named under the Young Offender Act, are all charged with animal cruelty.