While the EPS is expecting our community to share in this experience, either in their own homes or at Edmonton's licensed establishments that open for the game, we are anticipating that everyone will gather and celebrate responsibly and with respect for one another.

The EPS - in collaboration with our external partners - is prepared and will be out in the community to monitor and enforce all laws and regulations. 

We ask that the venues and patrons act responsibly when Canada goes for the gold, and the Edmonton community celebrate and contribute to a shared experience that makes all of us proud to be Edmontonians.

Plan ahead - Don't Drink and Drive.

Go Canada!

Deputy Mayor Dave Loken will present the Edmonton Police Service with a proclamation for Change Your Password Day:

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, 11 a.m.
Police Headquarters, 9620 – 103 A Avenue
Second Floor Atrium

Each week in March, information on password security, grandparent scams, and mobile security for youth will be disseminated through social and traditional media. The month will culminate with an event highlighting the importance of the secure disposal of data and electronic devices.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, police were called to a break and enter at a commercial store in the area of 34 Avenue and 99 Street. Surveillance footage shows a suspect vehicle that is described as 4-door, light coloured SUV. Police believe the vehicle is a 2001-2007 Jeep Liberty. Both of the rear windows have a “Fox Racing” decal displayed.

Fox Racing decal on both rear windows

Anyone with information about this vehicle 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.

“We were able to arrest the suspect within 30 minutes of the incident because of the quick reporting by the victim, and the assistance of numerous witnesses,” says Det. Eric Wilde with the EPS Northeast Division Criminal Investigation Section.  “Neighbours and strangers all responded to the man’s cries for help, and helped provide police with a very good suspect description and direction of travel.  The EPS would like to thank all of these individuals for their efforts and helping us to arrest and charge the suspect.”

Police responded to a report of an assault and robbery that took place at a residence in the area of 122 Street and 136 Avenue at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.  It was reported that a 77-year-old male was in his rear detached garage running his car with the door open when he noticed an adult male walking in the alley.  The elderly male was then allegedly jumped from behind, assaulted and robbed.  The male cried out for help, and his wife and neighbours came to his assistance and called police.  Pedestrians walking nearby became aware of the incident and saw the suspect fleeing north towards the grocery store.

Numerous EPS Patrol units and Canine unit responded to the area and set up a perimeter, and were able to determine that the suspect had entered the grocery store at 123 Street and 137 Avenue.  Inside the store, police arrested the suspect and were able to recover contents of the elderly man’s wallet.

EMS responded to the elderly man’s residence, and treated and transported the male to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.  The EPS Victim Services unit and Elder Abuse unit will be following up with the senior to assist with his recovery.

Darcy Loyie, 29, has been charged with break and enter and commit aggravated assault, break and enter and commit robbery, possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen credit card, use or traffic a stolen credit card, and fraud.  The accused is currently remanded.

Southwest Division patrol members, assisted by Air 1 and the EPS Canine Unit, converged on the Allendale neighbourhood at approximately 10 p.m., Feb. 26, 2014, after the complainant contacted police.

Just before 10p.m., the complainant got off an ETS bus near 109 Street and 68 Avenue, before walking westbound down 68 Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a male suspect is alleged to have approached the complainant from behind, wrapped his arms around her chest and pulled her to the ground. The complainant was able to fight off the male, who then fled the area.

The woman suffered minor scratches, but did not require medical attention.

The male suspect is described as being between 5’ 8” and six feet tall, with a slim build and was wearing dark-coloured clothing and gloves at the time of the assault.

Anyone with information that can help to identify and locate this suspect 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.   

The ceremonies will take place:

Friday, Feb. 28 2014

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

City Room (Main Floor) Edmonton City Hall

1 Sir Winston Churchill Square

The graduates come from a variety of backgrounds, including peace officers, a sheriff, and a street-level worker from The Mustard Seed (an organization that helps meet the basic needs of shelter, food, clothing and acceptance for men and women experiencing poverty). There are 16 members in Recruit Training Class No. 127.

All media are invited to attend the graduation ceremony. Anne Gray, EPS Corporate Communications, will be on-site as of 1 p.m. to arrange media interviews with the graduates.

Media interviews with graduates will take place when the ceremonies end (approximately 2:00 p.m.)

The suspect Jayme Pasieka, 29, is wanted in connection with the aggravated assaults.

Two people are confirmed dead, and 4 others have been injured.

The public is asked to be on the lookout for:

• 1999 green, 2-door Ford Explorer
• The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous. DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect and/or vehicle 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.

Police responded to the area of 39 Street and 74 Avenue after a concerned citizen called police to report a suspect vehicle that was released to the public around 4:30 p.m. Officers boxed-in the suspect vehicle and arrested the lone male driver just after 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Background:

Just after 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, police were called to the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue in response to reports of aggravated assaults with a knife.

The suspect Jayme Pasieka, 29, is wanted in connection with the deaths of two people aggravated assaults.

Two people are confirmed dead, and 4 others have been injured.

Jayme Pasieka, 29, from Edmonton, will be charged with first degree murder (x2), attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon(x2). Further charges are pending.  

Fitzroy Harris, 50 and Thierno Bah, 41, both died on scene after Pasieka allegedly stabbed them at their workplace shortly after 2 p.m. in the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Four other male co-workers were injured yesterday. The four of men are aged 21, 29, 34 and 44. The 34-year-old male remains in hospital.

One autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2014 at 1 p.m. and the second autopsy will follow.

The investigation continues.

Background:

Just after 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, police were called to the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue in response to reports of aggravated assaults with a knife.

Police responded to the area of 39 Street and 74 Avenue after a concerned citizen called police to report a suspect vehicle that was released to the public around 4:30 p.m. Officers boxed-in the suspect vehicle and arrested the lone male driver just after 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

The suspect Jayme Pasieka, 29, was arrested and taken into police custody.

Two people are confirmed dead, and 4 others have been injured.

Jayme Pasieka, 29, from Edmonton, will be charged with attempted murder (x2).

On Saturday, March 1, 2014, Pasieka was charged with first degree murder (x2), possession of an offensive weapon (x2), attempted murder and aggravated assault in relation to this incident.

Pasieka’s next court appearance will be Monday, May 5, 2014.

The autopsies have been postponed until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

The investigation continues.

Background:

Just after 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, police were called to the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue in response to reports of aggravated assaults with a knife.

Police responded to the area of 39 Street and 74 Avenue after a concerned citizen called police to report a suspect vehicle that was released to the public around 4:30 p.m. Officers boxed-in the suspect vehicle and arrested the lone male driver just after 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

The suspect Jayme Pasieka, 29, was arrested and taken into police custody without incident.

Fitzroy Harris, 50 and Thierno Bah, 41, both died on scene after Pasieka allegedly stabbed them at their workplace shortly after 2 p.m. in the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Four other male co-workers were injured. The four of men are aged 21, 29, 34 and 44.

Fitzroy Harris, 50, died from multiple stab wounds and Thierno Bah, 41, died from a single stab wound to the chest. Both of these deaths have been ruled homicides.

The investigation continues.

Background:

Just after 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, police were called to the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue in response to reports of aggravated assaults with a knife.

Police responded to the area of 39 Street and 74 Avenue after a concerned citizen called police to report a suspect vehicle that was released to the public around 4:30 p.m. Officers boxed-in the suspect vehicle and arrested the lone male driver just after 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

The suspect Jayme Pasieka, 29, from Edmonton was arrested and taken into police custody without incident.

Fitzroy Harris, 50 and Thierno Bah, 41, both died on scene after Pasieka allegedly stabbed them at their workplace shortly after 2 p.m. in the area of 161 Street and 121 A Avenue on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Four other male co-workers were injured. The four of men are aged 21, 29, 34 and 44.

Pasieka has been charged with first degree murder (x2), possession of an offensive weapon (x2), attempted murder (x3) and aggravated assault in relation to this incident.

Pasieka’s next court appearance will be Monday, May 5, 2014. 

West Division members responded to a reported break and enter call at an auction business near 112 Avenue and 149 Street on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at approximately 11 p.m. Upon arrival, police discovered the front glass door to the business had been shattered, as well as a jewelry display case inside.

It was reported that an estimated $116,000 in jewelry had been stolen, including two rings appraised at approximately $100,000.

The two rings are described as follows:

Ring #1

-         Men’s ring
-         18 karat yellow gold band (total gold weight of 23.9 grams)
-         21 smaller white round diamonds surrounding the center stone (total weight of the surrounding stones is 0.75 carats)
-         One round white diamond center stone weighing 5.6 carats (center stone is graded as color: J-L, clarity: I1 – I2 with a black inclusion on the left side visible to the naked eye)
-         Estimated retail value - $76,449.00.

Ring #2    

-         Women’s ring
-         18 karat white gold band (total gold weight of 8.9 grams)
-         131 small round white diamonds surrounding the center stone (total weight of the surrounding stones is 1.53 carats)
-         One round white diamond center stone weighing 1.37 carats (center stone is graded as color: G – H, clarity: FI2 – FI3
-         Estimated Retail value - $34,319.00

Anyone with information about this crime 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. 

“The Crime Stoppers Youth project is an important part of making our communities safer, specifically in high schools,” says Curtis Nikel, President of the Crime Stoppers Association of Edmonton and Northern Alberta. “Youth also see things that are dangerous or suspicious or illegal. We need to empower them to report these activities, and an anonymous tip service is the perfect way for them to get involved without having to be afraid.”

Over 2,800 students attend the two high schools located only six blocks apart, one of the highest concentrations of high-school-aged youth in the city. Constable Kendall Booth and Youth Liaison Katie Wallbaum from the Killarney Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (N.E.T.) developed the program to proactively engage these students in becoming co-producers of safety in their school communities.

“The pressure to fit in is extremely hard on youth, often leading to crimes going unreported,” says Katie Wallbaum. “Crime Stoppers Youth is focused on giving youth an anonymous way to report crime in a medium that makes sense to them. We want to eliminate the stigma of being a ‘rat’ and empower students to speak out about issues affecting them in their schools."

Violence, drug possession or dealing, theft (such as phones stolen from cars and lockers), possession of stolen property, weapons, vandalism, sexual assault and bullying are some of the crimes that may be reported to the tip line. Crime Stoppers will reward a minimum of $50 for tips resulting in successful investigations.

“This program will be very beneficial to the schools and community in the Killarney neighborhood,” says Derek Onysko, EPS School Resource Officer for Queen Elizabeth High School. “Any extra resources the police and school administration have that may assist with investigations are always a bonus.”

“It’s extremely dangerous to be travelling at these high speeds, but the risk is compounded by the drifting snow and icy roads that we have at this time,” says Sgt. David Green with the EPS Specialized Traffic Apprehension Team (STAT).  “The Cadillac CTS travelling at a speed of 173 kilometres per hour was covering 48 metres of road every second.  It would have taken a distance greater than two football fields to stop in an emergency, and it would have been total carnage if the car struck other vehicles or pedestrians.  Last year, speed was a factor in 30 per cent of the serious injury collisions and 42 per cent of the fatal collisions.  There is absolutely no reason to be travelling this fast on city roadways.”

• The highest speed recently recorded involved a Cadillac CTS.  A STAT unit was conducting moving mode radar enforcement in a marked police vehicle in the area of 97 Street and the Yellowhead Trail at approximately 8:47 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.  STAT officers observed a Cadillac CTS travelling westbound on Yellowhead driving erratically at a high rate of speed, repeatedly changing lanes to overtake traffic.  The Cadillac’s speed was recorded on radar at 173 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.  The STAT unit activated their emergency equipment and pulled the car over in the area of Yellowhead Trail and 121 Street, and the 20-year-old male driver was charged with dangerous driving.
  
  
• At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2014, STAT officers in a marked police car were conducting traffic enforcement with moving mode radar.  A Dodge Avenger travelling northbound on 156 Street at 115 Avenue was recorded at a speed of 108 km/h in a 50 km/h zone.  The 30-year-old male driver was charged with speeding.
  
  
• A Toyota Corolla sped past a marked police vehicle westbound on Anthony Henday Drive from the Calgary Trail at approximately 12:56 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.  The STAT officers inside the vehicle clocked the Toyota travelling at 155 km/h in the 100 km/h zone.  Officers stopped the car near Terwillegar Drive and charged the 24-year-old female driver with speeding.
  
  
• A West Division Patrol officer in a marked police car observed an Audi A6 travelling at excessive speeds at approximately 3:55 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.  The Audi was travelling from the Yellowhead Trail onto Anthony Henday Drive southbound when the officer clocked the vehicle at 160 km/h in the 100 km/h zone.  The 47-year-old male driver was charged with speeding.
  
  
• West Division Patrol also intercepted an excessive speeder at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.  Officers in an unmarked police car using moving mode radar recorded a Chevrolet Silverado travelling 162 km/h in a 100 km/h zone southbound on Anthony Henday Drive at Whitemud Drive.  The 38-year-old male driver was charged with speeding.

In excessive speed incidents, drivers receive an automatic summons to appear before a judge, who will review each driver’s record to determine the penalty.  Despite the winter weather and road conditions, so far in 2014 there have been 23 mandatory court tickets issued for excessive speeding (more than 50 km/h over the posted speed limit).  There were a total of 369 mandatory court tickets and 32,398 speeding tickets issued in 2013 by EPS officers.

EPS STAT, Division Patrol and Traffic Enforcement officers are out in neighbourhoods 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, helping to keep city streets safe for all.  The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety continue to work together with community partners on educational, enforcement, and engineering initiatives to improve traffic safety in the city, and to support the Alberta Traffic Safety Plan.

On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 2014, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., officers from the Edmonton Police Service and other law enforcement agencies throughout Alberta will join together with Cora Restaurants for our annual Cops and Crepes fundraiser.

Patrons can expect to see law enforcement members, along with Special Olympics athletes and many other volunteers busing tables, refilling coffee, selling T-shirts and aprons, taking cash donations and generally having a great time. 

LETR and Cora Restaurants have also put together a fabulous draw prize for one lucky patron at each Cora location. All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to support Special Olympics athletes in Alberta.

The mission of the LETR is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement worldwide. The mission of Special Olympics Alberta is to enrich the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through sport.

The EPS, LETR, Special Olympics and Cora Restaurants would like to thank diners who come out and support this group of remarkable athletes.

Participating Cora locations in Edmonton and surrounding areas include:

• Clareview: 4270-137 Avenue, Edmonton
• West Point: 9977-178 Street, Edmonton
• Gateway: 2920 Calgary Trail, Edmonton
• Leduc Town Centre: 6108-50 Street, Leduc
• Sherwood Park: 222 Baseline Road, Sherwood Park

Downtown Division patrol members responded to a residence near 102 Avenue and 120 Street just before 3 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, members discovered a deceased male inside the residence.  

Homicide Section detectives were called out and have since taken over the investigation. The identity of the deceased male is not being released at this time, until investigators have notified the man’s next of kin, who reside out of province.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information regarding this suspicious death 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.

The victim has been identified as Demetrios Karahalios, 48.

Due to the ongoing investigation, the cause of death will not be released at this time.

This is Edmonton’s 5^th homicide of the year.

Anyone with information about the man’s death or his whereabouts before the incident 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

This is the second such incident in the past four months where the EPS has pulled over an excessive speeder endangering the lives of child passengers, and the Traffic Safety charges have been upgraded to more serious Criminal Code charges to reflect the severity of the incident.

At approximately 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014, a Southwest Division Patrol officer in a marked police SUV was passed by a white Toyota Supra at a high rate of speed while travelling westbound on Whitemud Drive in the area of 111 Street.

The police vehicle attempted to catch up, but was not able to do so due to the speed of the car and its sudden lane changes.  In the interest of public safety, the officer radioed to a STAT unit involved in mobile traffic enforcement in the area, and made arrangements to have the car intercepted further up the road.  The Southwest Patrol officer continued to follow from a distance as the car turned off onto 149 Street.  A traffic stop was safely initiated on the Toyota Supra by both police units at 149 Street north of 84 Avenue.  Officers discovered that there were four occupants in the car: a 31-year-old driver, as well as children ages three, five and eight.

A concerned motorist also called 911 to report a “dangerous driver” speeding along that same stretch of road in a white car matching that of the excessive speeder.

Police charged the 31-year-old male driver of the Toyota Supra with careless driving and obscured licence plate under the Traffic Safety Act.

However, due to the aggressive and dangerous driving pattern, the winter road conditions, and the ages of the children inside the car, STAT officers consulted with the Crown Prosecutor’s Office on the file.  Based on the circumstances the charges were upgraded, and on March 7, 2014, STAT officers charged the 31-year-old with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada and causing a child to be in need of intervention (x3) under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.

Investigations reveal that an altercation took place in the parking lot between two men just after 2 a.m. this morning, which led to one of the males being stabbed. The stabbing victim was treated at the scene but died a short time later in hospital.

An autopsy has been scheduled for this afternoon.  

Anyone with information about the incident 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 3 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2014, a blue Subaru that was observed driving erratically on 105 Street, between Jasper Avenue and 100 Avenue, struck a parked vehicle. The 30-year-old male pedestrian who was standing beside the vehicle that was struck by the Subaru (on the west side of 105 Street), was injured when the car pinned him between that and another vehicle parked on the road.

The man was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect vehicle is missing its front bumper, and police are looking for any information that could lead them to the driver’s and vehicle’s whereabouts. 

Anyone with information about the incident 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