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Dumpster death

On July 1st, 2008 police investigated the discovery of a body found behind a dumpster.

The body was found at about 7:45 p.m. near the Alberta Avenue community league hall at 9210 118 Avenue.

Forensics officers examined the scene but police initially released few details, including whether the body was that of a male or a female.

The Edmonton Sun quoted one witness who said the victim was stabbed. However, police later determined the matter was non-criminal in nature.

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Two men shot

Queen Mary Park residents were startled to hear multiple shots ring out at about 9:45 p.m. on July 3rd, 2008 coming from a commercial area on 120th Street near 109th A Avenue. Ear-witnesses reported that up to eight shots were fired.

Two men, one 20 and the other 27, suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital. While they were likely were grateful for medical treatment, the men didn't return the favour by answering police questions. Sgt. Lance Parker said the injuries, one man in the back and the other in a leg, did not appear critical and both were expected to survive.

Investigators believed the incident to be gang-related, and it came less than a day after 24-year-old Scott Ladouceur and a friend were shot in north Edmonton. Ladouceur became the city's fourteenth homicide victim of the year while his buddy, Marlon Williams, remained lucky to escape with serious gunshot wounds.

Adding to the puzzle was that a blue Ford Escort was found empty and running just north of 109A Avenue. It was searched by police but they had yet to determine how it was connected to the shooting.

"We're not sure if it was two cars involved or if these guys were walking," said police duty officer Insp. Howie McCann.

It was later determined that the two men, along with a third, were walking along 119th Street when the drive-by shooting occurred.

The third male, uninjured, was arrested on a breach and transported to the Edmonton Remand Centre.

Police also checked a home in west Edmonton that may belong to the registered owner of the Escort. The gang unit was notified and the investigation continues.

Those with information about the shooting were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Drive-away shooting

Normally shootings these days take place at night, victims are found but their shooters can't be ... and nobody sees anything.

But on July 4th, 2008 in Edmonton's Westwood neighbourhood and in broad daylight, it was almost the opposite: there were lots of witnesses, the shooters drove away ... and this time so did their targets.

It all began at about 10:00 a.m. in a parking lot off a back alley at 119th Avenue and 106th Street, a few blocks northeast of the NAIT campus.

Police cars surrounded the scene and officers rounded up numerous witnesses.

One man had came out of one of the buildings to join another man waiting in a car. Two other men also came out of the building and apparently one of them shot at the two men in the car.

One couple, identified only as Rob and Kathleen, described for CTV Edmonton what they saw.

"We ran to the window to see what was the noise. We looked out and we see this guy running from this building to this building and he had a gun in his hand."

Global Edmonton caught up with Carter O'Neill who was working behind the next apartment with a friend when the shooting started.

"Two guys, two African-American guys came out – one with a handgun. Pretty much point blank at the car and shot the guy.

"Then I heard from one of the other witnesses that they saw down the road that the guy who got shot had to switch spots with the passenger because the car was swerving all over the place.

"The guy I was working with was about fifteen feet from where it happened and I don't think I've ever seen him run so fast in my life ... he cleared about a five-foot fence in no time.

"We ran upstairs, locked ourselves into a suite and waited for the police to show up."

The car the possible victim was in was described as a dark, two-door hatchback – either a Mazda or a Honda – with medium tinted windows and silver rims. The switch took place about a block away from the scene.

Police said the two suspects ran to a waiting vehicle described a grey Chevrolet with a spoiler.

Officers went door-to-door trying to track down who may have known where any of the men came from.

Witnesses said up to six shots were fired. Bullet casings littered the area.

The police gang unit was on hand, dealing with their third shooting case in as many days.

So far, no victim has shown up needing medical attention. Marked cars were seen at the nearest hospital, the Royal Alex, possibly waiting for someone to come in. A police spokesman asked the public to keep an eye out.

"If anybody sees anybody sitting in a vehicle that's parked, slumped over ... please call police ASAP."

The Westwood shooting was the latest in a spate of gun violence.

"Whether these are connected or not, it's just too early to tell. That's why the gang is unit is involved to help us to determine whether there are any connections," the spokesman said.

A woman who said she saw an armed black man marked with tattoos flee the area was clearly frightened by the incident and she spoke for many.

"I was terrified. I never heard gunshots before," said Kerri Hansen. The woman then asked the question of the day.

"I can't believe how much Edmonton has changed. Why do people have to come here and do this?"

That question was put to Edmonton police chief Mike Boyd after he presided over ceremonies marking the graduating class of 48 new recruits at the Winspear Centre for Music. He said investigators were working hard to minimise any future attacks.

"Our gang unit working with the RCMP has been quite successful in preventing a lot of shootings and even preventing homicides," he said.

"As you can see this morning we've had some activity and we just need to be aggressive and continue to be aggressive."

"One of our concerns around gang activity is the retaliation that can occur from such activity. And it's a concern for all of the major centres across the country when we're dealing with gang activity.

Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel, also attending the same function, saw the solution to the city's violence coming through public consultation.

"That's one of the reasons we're putting in place a crime prevention committee in September," he said. "We really need to look at the causes of why this is happening."

Those with information about the Westwood shooting were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

The Westwood neighbourhood is no stranger to this type of violence.

On June 5th, 2007 police received several calls reporting gunfire ... and two cars smashing into each other.

Gunshots were exchanged and one car rear-ended the other, afterwhich the vehicles left in different directions. Police found one of the damaged cars near 123rd Avenue and 106th Street, the other at 119th Avenue and 102nd Street – see Wild Time In Westwood.

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Suspicious death: Andrew Rademacher

Police continue to investigate what may end up becoming Edmonton's fifteen homicide of 2008.

At about 4:00 p.m. on June 29th, 2008 50-year-old Andrew Rademacher was discovered lying in a pool of blood near an abandoned home near 95th Street and 107th A Avenue. He was suffering from serious wounds and was taken to hospital. Rademacher remained in critical condition until the morning of July 4th when he succumbed to his injuries.

On July 1st, Rademacher's common-law wife Julie Starr was charged with aggravated assault in connection with the matter » full details »

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A Mac's attack

A gang initiation ritual was thought to be behind a knife attack on a store clerk that only netted thieves a small amount of cash and a couple of packages of cigarettes.

Police were called to a pizza parlour near 175th Street and 82nd Avenue at about 2:40 a.m. July 17th, 2008 after the 43-year-old clerk walked in from his nearby store suffering from a stab wound to the abdomen.

The assault took place ten minutes earlier in a Mac's convenience outlet when two men dressed in black entered the store. One man pulled a knife, demanded cash and assaulted the clerk. The second man stood near the door before taking a couple of packs of cigarettes from behind the counter.

The clerk was conscious when emergency services arrived and he was taken to the University of Alberta Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

A spokesman for Mac's said the incident had the hallmarks of a gang initiation ritual, a type of crime his stores have been the target of recently that sees little stolen.

Police later released surveillance images of one man taken inside the store.

One suspect was described as a native man, between 20 and 25 years old, clean shaven and with a muscular build. He stood about 5-feet 7-inches.

The other man was also native and between 20 and 25, clean shaven but with a thin build. He stood about 5-feet 9-inches.

Those with information about the robbery were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

On July 24th, 2008 police announced they were looking for Kim Kenny Ahnassay in connection with the attack – see below.

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Trailer park boys

Police continue to investigate a July 18th, 2008 shooting that left one man in critical condition in hospital.

Reports indicate that after a day of loud music and partying in the Maple Ridge Trailer Park, near 17th Street and 61st Avenue, gunfire erupted at about 10:00 p.m.

Police were called to 18 Quarry Crescent after the shots were fired. Staff Sgt. Doug Fedeshko brought media up to speed.

"We have established that there is one male victim that has two gunshot wounds to the chest and he's presently in critical condition. He's been transported to the University of Alberta Hospital," Fedeshko said.

It was later determined the 22-year-old man was struck by a single shot that exited his chest.

"There were youths at a gathering when uninvited guests showed up requesting the presence of a particular individual.

"We have not established if the gunshot victim is in fact that particular individual that they were looking for," Fedeshko added.

Police said another man suffered head injuries after being struck with a gun.

Witnesses said the trouble started the three guests showed up. A fight broke out and shots were fired.

Police detained and questioned a number of individuals. One man sitting on the ground was heard yelling, "I didn't do nothing. He didn't nothing."

Lyle, a friend of the victim's brother, said, "I guess they were just drinking and some fucking guy drove up with a gun."

A woman was heard crying, "My friend got shot in the fucking chest."

A resident of the park said the trailer was known for noise and loud parties and that people had been coming and going all day. At the time of the shooting about 15 people were inside the unit.

"A big group of people (were) coming and going, getting in their cars going fast, using this road like it was a racetrack," Mary Watson told media.

Witnesses said after the shooting a black car sped off, followed by a red Dodge Neon and a Dodge Charger.

The day after the shooting Global Edmonton interviewed Chris, the victim's brother. He didn't want to appear on camera.

"I was in the bathroom and I heard a loud pop. On my way back outside from the bathroom I met my brother halfway in the hallway holding his chest and he told me he had got shot.

"They had to take his lungs apart and re-construct them. He's in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) right now."

"They were looking for a specific individual that wasn't here. My brother was just unfortunate enough to be the first one to walk out the door. He was standing right there and they shot him in the chest," Chris said.

An intensive search took place as police looked for a weapon that was thought to be discarded in the area.

At last word, the victim was listed in stable condition and was expected to make a full recovery.

Police charged 23-year-old Matthew Richard Piasecki with discharging a firearm with intent, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault. A spokesman did not rule out further charges against Piasecki or other persons.

Neither the victim, Piasecki or other possible suspects were known to police.

Homicide detectives had been called in earlier as a precaution should the shooting have turned deadly.

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Three nights of knives

A rash of stabbings kept police busy over three nights in mid-July ... but without co-operative victims investigators will have to be satisfied with filing cold case reports.

The spree began when a 16-year-old male suffered serious stab wounds when he was attacked overnight near Eastwood School at 120th Avenue and 81st Street on July 18th, 2008. No word on suspects.

At about 1:40 a.m. July 19th, 2008 a man was also found near 120th Avenue and 81st Street with stab wounds to his abdomen. He was listed in stable condition in hospital. Again, no word on suspects.

The action shifted to Whyte Avenue when at about 2:30 a.m. a 23-year-old man was stabbed twice in the chest near 103rd Street and 82nd Avenue. The victim was sent to the University of Alberta Hospital.

Police caught up with a man a few blocks away as he was trying to get into a cab and charged him with aggravated assault and possesion of an offensive weapon.

At around 3:00 a.m. a woman was stabbed in the back near 89th Street and 118th Avenue. She managed to stagger into a convenience store near 90th Street and 118th Avenue where emergency services were called.

Police said the victim, listed in stable condition in hospital, knew her assailant but wasn't letting investigators in on the secret.

A few blocks away and at about the same time, one man ended up hospital after he was stabbed during an altercation outside Eastglen High School at 114th Avenue and 68th Street at 3:30 a.m.

The 27-year-old man managed to make his way to a 7-Eleven store near 67th Street and 118th Avenue where store employees flagged down a passing police car.

The man was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital with four stab wounds that weren't considered life-threatening.

Police checked on the school but everyone had fled. Investigators were again stymied by a lack of co-operation from the victim who was known to police.

And just before midnight July 20th, 2008 a man suffered five stab wounds after a scuffle with a roommate. The two roommates began arguing in a residence at 112th Avenue and 90th Street when one of them pulled a knife.

The victim, a 48-year-old man, was stabbed five times. He was taken to hospital in stable condition and with injuries not considered life-threatening.

A 52-year-old was charged with aggravated assault.

Those with information about any of the assaults highlighted above were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Crime at the movies

A robbery took place at a south-side Edmonton movie barn on July 21st, 2008 and it had nothing to do with the price of tickets or popcorn.

Seems that at about 1:15 p.m., after waiting patiently in line, a man walked up to a cashier inside the Cineplex Odeon tetrakaideca-plex at 1525 99 Street and asked for front row access to the register.

The clerk refused, prompting the man to expedite the narrative by reaching over the counter to grab a fistful of dollars before making his getaway.

Police are looking for a leading man in this caper who was described as white, between 30 and 35 years old, who stands 5-feet 7-inches, weighs about 150 pounds and has a dark, full beard. In the costume department, he was wearing a grey windbreaker jacket, white pants, white running shoes and a black baseball cap.

Reports indicated the man grossed only about $140 for his role. Had he waited for matinee receipts for Hellboy II he would likely have had a larger box office score.

Those with information about this action drama were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Fake gun, real handcuffs

Two teens learned that when you play with firearms – real or not – someone's going to get burned.

Police were called to the McLeod Community Centre at 14715 59 Street on July 22nd, 2008 when a report came in of two men displaying a gun in a parking lot.

"A witness saw a car driving into the parking lot here and two male subjects holding up, what he believed to be, a shotgun," Sgt. Colin Smart told media.

It turned out the gun was a $25 replica easily bought at a local store ... and it was easy to see why police treated the matter with concern and with the tactical team in tow.

"We take them very seriously and it's bad because at one time or another someone could get hurt," Sgt. Smart added. "We don't want any civilians getting hurt or these guys that are carrying these replica weapons around."

Officers surrounded the SUV and relieved the teens of the wannabe weapon. The males – aged 16 and 18 – were detained and while no charges were laid in connection with the fake gun, they were arrested for failing to properly register their ride.

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POLICE LINE: DO NOT CROSS

Nabbed: Leduc Sexual Assault Suspect

Leduc RCMP appealed to the public to help them identify a suspect wanted in connection with the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl in a public playground.

The incident occured on July 22nd, 2008 at approximately 7:48 p.m. in a playground near Corinthia Park School where the girl was playing with two friends.

She was approached by a male and the sexual assault then took place inside a tubular plastic slide with the two other girls looking on.

Incredibly, a witness in the area recorded the man on her video camera because she thought he was acting suspiciously.

The suspect, not known to the girl, was described as Caucasian, approximately 18 years old and with dark brown hair.

Just before the attack he was wearing an orange sweater or hoodie. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white T-Shirt, jeans and a black ball cap with a white logo on the rear worn backwards in the style of the day.

Larger images of the man can be seen here and here.

"He doesn't look like someone we have dealt with in the past," Leduc RCMP Const. Jodi Heidinger said.

Police responded to the playground within minutes of the attack occurring. The witness indicated when the man fled the area he didn't leave by car.

Although numerous tips came in after a media alert, nothing solid was developed. The search expanded to include Edmonton and all areas surrounding Leduc, police said.

On July 25th, 2008 RCMP created a wanted poster and went to the unusual effort of sending the bulletin out Canada wide.

The poster added the detail the ball cap was a Hurley hat and that the suspect's orange-coloured hoodie was no longer in his possession.

RCMP also advised the public not to approach the individual but to call police immediately.

A larger version of the poster can be seen here.

On July 27th, 2008 RCMP announced they had arrested a man in connection with the assault.

Acting on a tip received from a woman who saw a photograph of the suspect on Global News, Wetaskiwin RCMP arrested 26-year-old Clinton William Schuler of Millet, Alberta.

Schuler was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and threats to cause bodily harm.

Police said Schuler was denied bail "in the interests of the safety and protection of the public." That interest likely extended to Schuler as well.

Leduc RCMP thanked media outlets for getting suspect photographs out to the public. Police believed extensive coverage of the investigation was instrumental in the identification and apprehension of the suspect. Global Edmonton went so far as to boast that without their broadcasts the arrest would not have been made.

Both the woman who videotaped the playground assault and the woman who reported the tip that led to Schuler being charged declined to be identfied out of fear or reprisal.

Investigators continue to gather further details and evidence, and as the matter was now before the courts, no further comment would be issued.

Schuler appeared in court on July 31st, 2008 via closed-circuit television and was ordered to return to court August 14th.

It was reported Schuler had a history of similar offences. CBC Edmonton revealed that Schuler was a trucker from Humboldt, Saskatchewan who had moved to Millet in December 2007.

However, that wasn't the first time the man made himself known in Alberta.

In 2005, Schuler was convicted of prowling in Wainwright, and in 2006 he was charged with exposing himself in Fort McMurray.

RCMP told CBC they consider Schuler to be a suspect in the January 15th, 2008 sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl in Devon. That incident also took place in a playground. The sketch above was released in connection with the matter.

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Wanted: Kim Kenny Ahnassay

Edmonton police were looking for 24-year-old Kim Kenny Ahnassay, wanted in connection with an attack on a convenience store clerk – see above.

Ahnassay was considered by police to be dangerous and he was already wanted on an unrelated province-wide warrant when the stabbing occurred.

A larger image of Kim Kenny Ahnassay can be seen here. Police believe Ahnassay was still in the Edmonton area.

On July 25th, 2008 police caught up with Ahnassay while investigating a separate assault involving machetes.

Officers were called at about 4:30 a.m. to a walk up apartment block at 106th Avenue and 86th Street when a 911 call came in reporting two men with machetes had burst into a suite occupied by three other men.

"Two of the men were assaulted with a machete, and another man sustained some other injuries – I believe he lost some facial hair. Then one of the suspects attempted to flee from police by jumping off of a balcony – and this is a four-storey building – and subsequently that man ended up going to hospital with back injuries," a police spokesman summarised.

Police arrested the two men and believe both groups know each other and that the incident was drug-related.

Ahnassay was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon and being disguised to commit an offence. More charges were pending against him in connection with the Mac's robbery.

Lawrence George Morningchild, 25, was charged with robbery, possession of a weapon, mischief under $5,000 and breach of recognizance. He remains in hospital with serious back injuries.

“He won't be going anywhere from there except perhaps to remand,” said police.

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Nabbed: Silver Steven Bernard

Two Hills RCMP positively identified Silver Steven Bernard, a 34-year-old from Saddle Lake, Alberta as the suspect involved in the break and enter to Premier Ed Stelmach's residence that took place on July 24th, 2008. Bernard was arrested July 30th.

The story first came via the RCMP media centre as just another break-in. On the 24th at 12:09 p.m. RCMP responded to a residential alarm in a rural area near Andrew, Alberta, about 100 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

When they arrived, officers found the residence to be unoccupied and they confirmed that a break and enter had indeed taken place. Police didn't know what was taken so they called the homeowner at his place of business.

It fell to some unlucky officer to inform the premier of the province that his house had just been burgled.

And what the culprit likely didn't notice was that the Stelmach residence bristled with surveillance cameras and words to the wise.

RCMP soon released images of a male suspect believed to be responsible for the incident. He was described as possibly either caucasian or metis, with short dark hair, a dark coloured mustache with a chin beard, and a "stocky build with a gut."

It was believed the suspect had a number of tattoos on various parts of his body, and was wearing a light colored ball cap, light brown T-shirt, brown knee shorts, socks and hiking boots.

Larger images of the break-in suspect can be seen here, here, here and here.

The suspect's truck was also captured by cameras, a dark-colored four-door pickup, possibly a Dodge. Seen beside the suspect is the premier's dog Orville ...

... who also happily greeted media covering the story.

RCMP said there was no evidence to indicate that the Premier's residence was targeted. Police indicated a few items were taken from the home but no details were provided. Stelmach's brother and neighbour said the front, back and garage doors were smashed.

Security at the residence was reviewed after the incident and Al Sauve, Chief Sheriff of Alberta, said the measures in place were adequate.

The dog wasn't part of the security package, Sauve noted.

Premier Stelmach, who likes to be known as a law-and-order politician, said through a spokesman he understood that anyone could fall prey to crime.

"Well certainly the premier is troubled by it, I mean he has talked about Alberta and one of his goals being that people feel safe in their homes and communities," media flak Tom Olsen told media, adding the premier is more convinced than ever that the province's anti-crime measures are the right thing to do.

"It has strengthened his resolve. He understands what it's like."

Several days after the break-in, RCMP said they were pursuing a "significant lead" that may lead them to the suspect.

Police also said a number of thefts between July 21st and July 25th in the Andrew area could all be connected. Farm equipment, such as two ride-on lawn mowers, a pair of log splitters and gas cans, has been stolen in broad daylight from around the well-travelled area off Highway 45.

“If we get a description of a truck similar to the one parked at Premier Stelmach's place, it (will) help a lot,” said Const. Cameron Dunn from the Two Hills RCMP detachment.

“It'd be nice if (the suspect) would confess to it,” Dunn said hopefully. "He's pretty bold. What that tells me is this guy has probably been in (these) farmyards with people in them, getting directions, saying he broke down. Someone has seen him for sure."

On July 29th, 2008 Two Hills RCMP positively identified Silver Steven Bernard as the suspect. He was formally charged with break, enter and theft, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. The next day, members of the St. Paul RCMP Detachment located Bernard and placed him in custody.

An RCMP spokesman said the Saddle Lake detachment had identified Bernard because they were familiar with him and had dealt with him before. No details were provided.

On July 31st, 2008 Silver Steven Bernard appeared before a judge in St. Paul Provincial Court and was remanded in custody. His next appearance was set for Vegreville Provincial Court on August 11th, 2008.

Firsthand reaction from Premier Stelmach finally came to light with the politician saying he was glad that nobody was home at the time of the break-in. His home, which has been in the Stelmach family for generations, was broken into once before about 15 years ago.

"We didn't lose anything significant," the premier said. "It's random, from what I gather ... a person just drove in the yard."

The premier said he didn't know the suspect.

"It's an invasion of privacy, obviously," he said. "Unfortunately, it's what happens on a daily basis in this province and in this country and it's drug-related, alcohol-addiction related – and obviously no respect for the law or a person's property."

On September 15th, 2008 it was announced that Silver Steven Bernard pleaded guilty to break, enter and theft. On September 23rd Bernard was sentenced to ten months in prison.

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POLICE LINE: DO NOT CROSS

Assist To Identify: Gas Station Robber Suspect

Just before 5:00 p.m. on July 13th, 2008 an adult male ran into the Domo gas station on 127th Street north of 129th Avenue while the lone employee was outside helping a customer.

The suspect then helped himself to an undisclosed amount of cash from behind the counter and ran out. As he was leaving, the female employee confronted the man and grabbed the cash from his hand.

The man then assaulted the employee, grabbed back the cash and fled eastbound across 127th Street. The employee recognized the suspect as a man who had come into the store earlier, asking about cigarettes.

The suspect was described as a male in his early 20s with a dark complexion, patchy facial hair and a shaved Assist To Identify: Gas Station Robber. He's approximately 5-feet 6-inches and 140 lbs. He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt and a dark zip-up sweater with diagonal stripes.

Larger images of the suspect can be seen here, here and here.

Those with information about the suspect were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Assist To Identify: Mill Woods Sexual Assault Suspect

Edmonton police are on the hunt for a man thought responsible for a sexual assault that occurred in Mill Woods.

Around noon on July 15th, 2008 a 21-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home in the Millbourne Mall area, near 78th Street and 37th Avenue.

The woman was taking a nap when a man appeared in her bedroom. She was threatened with a knife and sexually assaulted. Police figure the man entered the home through an unlocked door.

The suspect was described as black with a very dark complexion, between 20 and 30 years old, approximately 5-feet 7-inches tall with an average to muscular build. He was wearing a red and yellow jersey.

A larger image of the suspect can be seen here.

The incident doesn't appear to be linked to other cases at this time, said a police spokesman.

Those with information about the matter were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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POLICE LINE: DO NOT CROSS

Public Alert: William Edward Stewart

Edmonton police have issued an alert for the public to keep an eye out for William Edward Stewart, a convicted sex offender.

Stewart, 39, was recently released from an unnamed correctional facility after completing a three-year, two-month sentence for two counts of sexual assault. He was described as white, 5-feet 8-inches, 210 lbs with blue eyes and brown hair.

A larger image of William Edward Stewart can be seen here.

Police said they consider Stewart a dangerous sex offender who clearly poses a risk of significant harm to the community. His record of sexual offences date back to 1991 and involve female victims who are known to him.

Not indicated in the alert was whether police believe Stewart was heading to Edmonton.

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POLICE LINE: DO NOT CROSS

Wanted: Brent Michael Crane

Crane is a big guy with a record of equal size: 60 criminal convictions and counting. He was serving a 2-year 9-month sentence for assault causing bodily harm, being unlawfully at large, obstructing a police officer and mischief.

After he was released on parole, Crane was to reside at a half-way house in Edmonton. He was allowed a day pass to visit a relative but he never returned. A Canada-wide warrant was issued for apprehension and suspension of his parole.

Crane was described as 5-feet 10-inches, 231 lbs with a shaved head. He has a scar on his right wrist, and for tattoos he has "Insane" on his upper back, Indian and skull on his right forearm and "Forever" on his left forearm.

A larger image of Crane can be seen here. Police say he is violent and should not be approached.

Those with information about Brent Michael Crane were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Teddy Preston Francis

Correctional Services Canada and Edmonton police are on the hunt for Teddy Preston Francis, wanted for being unlawfully at large.

The story of Teddy Francis began on August 30th, 2007 when he was released from prison on statutory release with the intent that he complete his term for robbery and carrying concealed weapon offences in the community.

Francis met one condition of his release – reporting to a parole officer twice a week – for only three weeks and since September 21st, 2007 his parole officer hasn't seen him at all.

As a result, Correctional Services Canada suspended Francis' statutory release and issued a Canada-wide warrant of apprehension under the authority of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

While "unlawfully at large," Francis allegedly committed two personal robberies on October 4th, 2007. Francis was arrested for those robberies and was detained in the Edmonton Remand Center.

After appearing in court on April 30th, 2008 to face the robbery charges and an unlawfully at large charge, Francis was fortunate to have the charges adjourned to October 31st, 2008. A judge released him on $500.00 bail on his own recognizance and he was required to reside at a specific address and abide by a 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew.

On July 4th, 2008 police conducted a curfew check and Francis was not in the residence. Francis is now facing additional charges of breaching a court order and another warrant was issued for his arrest.

22-year-old Francis, born April 21st, 1986, was described by the High Risk Enforcement and Apprehension Team as 6-feet 1-inch, 205 lbs with black hair and brown eyes. A larger image can be seen here.

Those with information about Teddy Preston Francis were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Yasudani Gordon Garanggai

Edmonton police have issued a warrant for 28-year-old Yasudani Gordon Garanggai, wanted in connection with a robbery at the Bank of Montreal branch at 101st Street and 102nd Avenue.

At approximately 3:15 p.m. on July 29th, 2008 an adult male entered the bank carrying a black duffel bag.

He approached a teller and handed over a note which indicated he had a bomb in the bag and that he would detonate it unless he received some cash. The teller complied and handed over about seven hundred dollars.

The man left the building but left behind the bag. Police cleared the bank and surrounding area. Explosives disposal technicians responded and soon determined the bag contained no dangerous devices.

Investigators then turned their attention to the bank's surveillance system and spotted a familiar face. A warrant was quickly issued.

Garanggai was described as a black male, 6-feet 2-inches, 150 lbs and sporting a goatee.

Those with information about Garanggai's whereabouts were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Kaven Gather Harbison

A man with over 90 criminal convictions behind him is being sought by Edmonton police for breaching his latest set of release conditions.

37-year-old Kaven Gather Harbison was serving a 5-year 5-month sentence for convictions of break and enter, theft under, trafficking in a controlled substance, mischief and failing to comply with a probation order.

He was released from the Saskatchewan Penitentiary on May 5th, 2008 and breached his conditions just two months later on July 6th.

Harbison, born February 7th, 1971, stands 5-feet 7-inches, weighs 234 lbs and has brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a scar on his right fore arm and a tattoo on his right shoulder of an arm band and skull.

A larger image of Harbison can be seen here.

Harbison's 92 criminal code convictions, earned across Canada from Oshawa to Vancouver, include numerous failure to comply, statutory release and escaping lawful custody violations.

Those with information about Kaven Gather Harbison were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Jamie Lee Hiebert

Edmonton police are looking for 27-year-old Jamie Lee Hiebert.

Hiebert, born March 10th, 1981, stands 5-feet 2-inches, weighs 85 lbs and has blonde hair, blue eyes, with two studs decorating her right eyebrow.

A larger image of Jamie Lee Hiebert can be seen here.

Wanted on an Alberta-wide warrant for break, enter and theft, she also faces 8 additional charges.

Those with information about Jamie were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Horse Painting Thief

Once upon a time, Mounties were often called on to catch a horse thief. In July 2008, Mounties were called in to catch a horse painting thief.

The painting, of a standing horse by Quebec artist Forte, was last seen July 1st, 2008 at a residence near Seba Beach, about 75 kilometres west of Edmonton.

The woman who owned the painting then moved to a place near Evansburg. When she unpacked her belongings she realised the painting was missing.

"It's one of a kind ... there's not another one like it on the face of the Earth," Cheryl told CTV Edmonton's David Ewasuk.

The painting, set in a light brown coloured wooden frame measuring approximately two square feet, has a value of up to $30,000. A larger image of the painting can be seen here.

But the painting's greater value is in being back in the woman's possession.

"I will pay you to give it back to me ... I want my painting back," Cheryl cried.

To that extent, the woman ponied up $1000 as a reward for the painting's return.

RCMP said some friends of Cheryl's old neighbour helped her with the move. Those people were located and interviewed but the painting is still missing.

Anyone that may have information relating to the theft of the painting were asked to contact Evansburg RCMP at 780-727-3654 or any of the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Rizwan Khan AKA Asif Ali

Using credit cards and the alias of Asif Ali, Rizwan Khan has allegedly committed credit and gift card fraud at numerous stores across Edmonton, to the tune of $40,000. Edmonton police hope that capture is now in the cards for this man who is wanted on a Canada-wide immigration warrant.

Khan, 36 years old (born January 1st, 1972), uses high quality counterfeit Ontario & British Columbia driver licences and credit cards that include TD Visa, City Bank Master Card and President Choice Master Card among others.

Khan failed to report to immigration on June 24th, 2008 causing a Canada-wide warrant to be issued for his arrest. Police feel he has likely moved out of Edmonton from his address at 11029 84 Street.

A larger image of this new-fashioned paper-hanger can be seen here.

Those with information about Rizwan Khan were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Kern Leroy Krueger

Despite 53 convictions for crimes such as break & enter, dangerous driving, theft, assault and fraud, Kern Leroy Krueger was released on parole from the Drumheller Institution with instructions to reside at a half way house in Edmonton. He was allowed out on a pass but failed to return.

31-year-old Krueger (born March 20th, 1977) was described as 5-feet 11-inches, 148 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a surgical scar on his stomach and a stab wound on his lower back.

Now he's wanted back by Edmonton's High Risk Enforcement and Apprehension Team to complete his 2-year 4-month term for robbery, personation and possession of stolen property. He'll likely face additional charges related to his tardiness.

Kreuger has friends and family in the Athabasca area as well as Edmonton. A larger image of him can be seen here.

Those with information about Kern Leroy Krueger were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Richard Raymond Levesque

Edmonton police are on the lookout for 31-year-old Richard Raymond Levesque, a man with an extensive criminal record in excess of 30 convictions – many of them involving violence.

Levesque was serving a three-year sentence for break and enter, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, failing to attend court, possession of stolen property, being unlawfully at large, trafficking in a controlled drug among other offences.

He was out on statutory release on June 10th, 2008 and was to reside in Edmonton's west end. However, Levesque moved without leaving a forwarding address and his parole officer is anxious to make contact with him. A Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large was issued.

Police described Levesque (born February 8th, 1977) as 6-foot 3-inches, 210 lbs with brown eyes and black hair. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right hand and slash scars on his right wrist. A larger image of Richard Raymond Levesque can be seen here.

Levesque's current state of freedom marks the second time in the past year that he has gone unlawfully at large while on a prison release. Police believe he may be in the Wetaskiwin or Hobbema area and advise caution if he is located.

Those with information about Richard Raymond Levesque were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Adam Frederick Matychuk

Adam Frederick Matychuk has had his parole suspended and now he's wanted by the Edmonton police High Risk Enforcement and Apprehension Team.

31-year-old Matychuk (born December 6th, 1976) was described as 5-feet 11-inches, 150 lbs, with brown hair, blue eyes. He sports a number of tattoos: on his right upper arm a tribal mark, on his left upper arm a ribbon/skull/tribal mark, and on his back the names "Brady" and "Haley." He also has a scar over his left eye.

A larger image of Matychuk can be seen here.

Matychuk was serving a 3-year sentence for trafficking in a controlled substance, break and enter, fraud and assault. He has a history of criminal activity with at least twenty convictions for offences including mischief, robbery, escaping lawful custody, possession of narcotics and impaired driving.

He was released on June 3rd, 2008 on statutory release, and a Canada-wide warrant of apprehension and suspension of parole was issued on June 26th.

Those with information about Adam Frederick Matychuk were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Shane Emil McDonald

Edmonton police are looking for Shane Emil McDonald. The 43-year-old man is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant under the Corrections and Conditions Release Act.

Born February 23rd, 1965, McDonald was described as 5-feet 11-inches, 190 lbs with brown eyes and hair. A larger image of McDonald can be seen here.

McDonald has a criminal record for robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, theft, drugs, fraud and failing to attend court.

Those with information about Shane Emil McDonald were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Richard Donald McKinney

Edmonton police are again looking for Richard Donald McKinney, currently unlawfully at large with a Canada-wide warrant out for apprehension and suspension of his parole.

McKinney was on statutory release after serving a 2-year 2-month sentence for (guess what) being unlawfully at large, criminal flight, possession of stolen property over $5000.00 and driving while disqualified.

He initially reported to his parole officer as required but never stayed at an assigned west-end residence. Within a week (on May 14th, 2008) he fled, the second time he's done so in a year.

44-year-old McKinney (born April 26th, 1964) was described as 5-feet 8-inches, 145 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is heavily tattooed: on his right forearm, a dragon, skull and reaper. On his left upper arm, bat wings and a dragon head. On his left forearm, a goblin and faces. On his chest, a skull, demon and dragon head. On his back, a warrior and castle. On his right upper arm, an eagle and snake.

McKinney's criminal resume includes 40 convictions ranging from robbery, weapons offences, assaults, impaired driving, criminal flight and possession of controlled substance. A larger image of McKinney can be seen here.

Those with information about Richard Donald McKinney were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Christopher David Meer

Back in April 2008, Edmonton police issued warrants for 4 individuals involved in an extortion case that saw three houses belonging to the same family burned to the ground. While three were arrested, a fourth man remains to be brought to ground.

Police are looking for 23-year-old Christopher David Meer and are looking to charge him with 3 counts of arson, 2 counts of extortion, and 1 count of obstruction of justice, conspiracy to commit arson, conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Meer was described as 5-feet 9-inches, 135 lbs, with brown hair with blonde highlights. Police believe he has fled to the United States or Mexico.

A larger image of Meer can be seen here.

Those with information of his wereabouts were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Ali Jimcale Mohammed

Ali Jimcale Mohammed was serving a 2-year sentence for possession for the purpose of trafficking and failing to comply with conditions of recognizance. Then his parole got suspended.

36-year-old Mohammed (born October 11th, 1972) was described as 5-feet 9-inches, 186 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Now he's described as being wanted by the High Risk Enforcement and Apprehension Team.

A larger image of Ali Jimcale Mohammed can be seen here.

Mohammed was released from custody by way of a statutory release on June 11th, 2008. A Canada-wide warrant of apprehension and suspension of parole was issued by Correctional Services Canada on June 20th. He has a record that includes being unlawfully at large, failing to comply with probation, drug offences, assault, and failing to attend court.

Those with information about where Mohammed is now were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Pair Missing from Stan Daniels Centre

Edmonton police and Correctional Services Canada are looking for 25-year-old Dustin Potskin and 42-year-old Wesley John, both missing from the Stan Daniels Healing Centre.

Potskin was discovered missing July 10th after an 8:00 a.m. count. He was serving a two-year sentence for forcible confinement and assault with a weapon. Police described him as having a fair complexion with shaved brown hair and green eyes. He has tattoos on his abdomen, right ankle and left forearm.

A few days earlier, Wesley John escaped custody from the healing centre. John was serving a six-year sentence for property and driving offences. He was described as 6-feet 1-inch, 217 lbs, with a medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes.

The Stan Daniels Healing Center, 9516 101 Avenue, houses about 60 inmates and conditionally released offenders.

Those with information about Potskin or John were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: Dallas Lee Paquette

The Edmonton police High Risk Enforcement and Apprehension Team are after Dallas Lee Paquette after a Canada-wide warrant of apprehension and suspension of parole was issued on June 16th, 2008.

35-year-old Paquette (born September 23rd, 1972) was described as 5-feet 6-inches, 165 lbs with brown hair and eyes, with a tattoo of a Tomahawk on his left forearm and a burn scar on his small finger and right arm. A larger image of Dallas can be seen here.

Paquette was serving a 2-year 9-month sentence for convictions of trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, failing to comply with conditions and unlawfully at large. He was released on statutory release on May 1st, 2008. His criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, possession of narcotics, possession of property obtained by crime, unlawfully at large and failing to comply with conditions.

Those with information about Paquette were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Wanted: David Zurowski

Edmonton police are again looking for David Zurowski, a fraud artist who managed to get faxed out of the Edmonton Remand Centre.

On June 7th, 2008 Zurowski was found hidden behind some drywall in a house near 93rd Street and 108th Avenue. Police were looking for a man in connection with an instance of someone using another person's identity (stolen credit cards) to buy a car at a south-end Mitsubishi dealership on March 7th.

When he learned police were closing in, Zurowski had his girlfriend conceal him by screwing new drywall over a cavity in the house (recalling a scene from the movie Inside Man).

Police arrested Zurowski and he was confined to the remand centre to face fraud and impersonation charges in addition to 27 other outstanding warrants.

On June 24th some forged Court of Queen’s Bench release documents were faxed the remand centre and Zurowski was sprung. Police realised something was up when they went to see him about some bail conditions and he was nowhere to be found.

46-year-old Zurowski (born December 24th, 1961) was described as 6-feet 1-inch, 210 lbs with blue eyes, short brown hair. He oftens appears unshaven and wearing glasses.

A larger image of David Zurowski can be seen here.

Zurowski now faces some new charges, including escaping lawful custody and fraudulent bail.

Even police saw the humour in all of this and they made a dry remark about it on Zurowski's official Crimestoppers web site entry.

He has numerous entries for (what else) Fraud related offenses ...

The matter of a man being able to get himself faxed out of jail had justice officials red-faced.

"It doesn't happen very often at all," said Andy Weiler, a spokesman for the solicitor general's office.

"It was a document that fooled both our staff members and the justice of the peace."

Zurowski was set free under a $3,000 no-cash bail order. However, it wasn't the first time this had occurred – a similar case happened in 2005, Weiler said.

"Those are the only two incidents that come to mind," he said. "It is quite rare."

The footloose and faxed-free felon has a colourful record as a career criminal.

In 1999, Zurowski was sentenced to three years after broad-siding a car, seriously injuring its driver, after stealing a new Chevy Tahoe from a dealership.

During trial, Zurowski claimed he was being chased by a crazed drug dealer who accused him of stealing a half a million dollars.

In 2002, he was jailed after witnesses said they spotted him at the wheel of a car that crashed into two women and a baby a year ealier.

The Supreme Court of Canada later overturned those charges, entering an acquittal based on poor identification made by four witnesses.

Those with information about Zurowski's current wherabouts were asked to contact police at the phone numbers, web sites and message services listed below on this page.

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Those with information about any of the matters covered above were asked to contact Edmonton police at 780-423-4567, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), Project KARE at 780-495-KARE (5273) or 1-877-412-KARE (5273) or online at www.tipsubmit.com

Tips can also be text messaged. In Edmonton, text TIP250 + message and send to CRIMES (274637). In Northern Alberta, text TIP205 + message and send to CRIMES (274637).

Information presented on this page has been compiled from published media reports and should not be interpreted as having legal bearing or other prejudice against the individuals named on this web site. Some information may have been released under the authority of the FOIP Act, RSA 2000, C. F-25. and/or Section 8(2)(m) of the Federal Privacy Act.

Members of the public are advised that the intent of this web site is to enable citizens to take suitable precautionary measures and is NOT intended to encourage people to engage in any form of vigilante action. Continued investigation and review can result in additional information or clarification not disclosed to the public. Case status subject to change without notice.

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deadmonton 2008 - july crime report