Category: Canada

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Today marks 6 years since the murder of 22-year-old Josiah Kaelin Sparks of Lake Loon.

Just after 8 p.m. on September 14, 2017, police responded to a 911 call after Sparks was found deceased on Cherry Brook Rd in Lake Loon. Police continue to ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Sparks between Monday, September 11, 2017 and Thursday, September 14, 2017 to contact police.

The Government of the Province of Nova Scotia is offering rewards of up to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Josiah Kaelin Sparks. The Provincial Rewards line is 1-888-710-9090.

Investigators continue to maintain contact with Josiah’s family and they are urging anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Special Investigation Section at 902-490-5333. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

File # 17-138892

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Police officers with the Yukon RCMP Critical Incident Program members will continue using the Ryder Apartments in Whitehorse for training exercises.

On September 11, 2023, officers used the vacant building, on 6^th Ave. near downtown Whitehorse, to conduct drills and practice their skills. Thanks to continued support from Yukon Housing Corporation, police have received permission to continue using the space for further training prior to it being demolished.

Continued use of the building will allow police officers with Yukon RCMP to learn new skills and apply existing knowledge in a real-world setting, so that response to emergencies in the Territory can be effective and efficient. There continues to be no risk to the public as exercises are taking place. Please be respectful of barriers set up by police in the area around the Ryder Apartments while they are training.

RCMP want the public to be aware that there will be an intermittent increased police presence around the building as these drills and exercises are taking place. Police will reach out to homes or businesses in the area who may be indirectly impacted by the training, as they did on Monday. Safety continues to be top of mind for public and police.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Yukon RCMP at 867 667 5555.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Edmonton –July saw the most break and enters to businesses this year, which is why Alberta RCMP is reminding business owners to be mindful of crime prevention practices.

In order to avoid becoming part of the statistic, Alberta RCMP has some advice for business owners:

• Install motion sensor lights and keep indoor lights on at all times
• Invest in good quality video cameras
• Install an alarm system
• Keep windows clear of stickers and posters
• Keep valuables away from windows and install roll shutters or bars on your windows
• Make sure that preventative measures are well maintained, such as fences.

Trying to incorporate all of these crime preventatives at once can be costly. Make sure to budget for safety and crime prevention if you’re just starting out in your business venture, or implement them over time, based on priority. Investing in quality preventative measures, such as sturdy locks and quality cameras, can make a difference in preventing theft and identifying criminals.

For more tips and information, Business Security brochures are available for free at all RCMP Detachments across the province. To keep learning about business safety follow #Business101 and our social media accounts on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and Twitter (@RCMPAlberta).

Alberta RCMP encourages the public and business owners to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Albertans are now able to report hate-motivated incidents online. This can be completed via the Online Crime Reporting portal available on the Alberta RCMP website or through the Alberta RCMP app.

It’s important to report hate-motivated incidents and crimes because it allows police to stay informed about what is impacting communities. This is vital in order to provide support and create proactive measures to keep all Albertans safe.

The differences between a hate-motivated incident and crime are:

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 5, 2023, Saskatchewan RCMP charged an adult male in relation to a December 24, 2021 double homicide in North Battleford.

31-year-old Wade Frenchman from Moosomin First Nation is charged with two counts, first degree murder, Section 253, Criminal Code in relation to the deaths of Alyssa LeCaine, 25, and Daphne Bear, 20.

“On December 24, 2021, most people were getting ready to begin holiday celebrations. However, that’s when an absolutely senseless tragedy struck for the friends and family of Alyssa and Daphne, and for the Battlefords community at large. Our thoughts continue to be with these young women’s loved ones as we announce these charges today. It’s our hope that it will help provide some closure as they continue their grieving and healing processes,” says Supt. Josh Graham, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “This was a complex investigation, one that took time to complete. I’m grateful to our dedicated Major Crimes investigators, and our many partners, who conducted a thorough investigation that allowed us to support these first-degree murder charges.”

During the course of the investigation, Major Crimes worked with partners including: Saskatchewan RCMP’s Battleford detachment, North Battleford Forensic Identification Services, North Battleford Provincial General Investigation Services, Polygraph Section, Digital Forensic Services, Divisional Criminal Analytical Section; the Saskatchewan Coroners Service; City of North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services; and fire examiners with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Investigators obtained 15 judicial authorizations, interviewed approximately 160 witnesses, and gathered/processed more than 150 exhibits during the course of the investigation.

Wade Frenchman was arrested at the Saskatchewan Provincial Correctional Centre. He is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on September 20, 2023.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Whitehorse RCMP investigators have completed the investigation into the use of holds and isolation spaces at Jack Hulland Elementary School in Whitehorse, YT. The investigation had been ongoing since November 19, 2021.

The Whitehorse RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) interviewed or spoke with 190 individuals and reviewed over 600 reports obtained from the school, the Yukon Department of Education, parents and caregivers. The investigation remained a priority for the Detachment while officers also balanced emergent investigations presenting concerns for public safety.

With the investigation now complete, a final comprehensive report is being prepared. The final report and an executive summary will be shared with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), who have been kept informed about the investigation from its early stages.

The scope and scale of this investigation meant that it required significant resources and dedication from the officers involved. The investigators want to thank all those who have come forward to speak with police and share their experiences as part of the investigation.

The Jack Hulland Elementary School community was updated by means of a letter distributed through the school’s communication channels on September 12, 2023. Victim Services has been engaged from the start of the investigation and has been updated in order to follow up with witnesses who are not updated through the school’s communication channels.

Original news release, November 2021: Whitehorse RCMP investigating school allegations
Follow up news release, November 2022: Requesting new witnesses in historic use of force investigation at school
Follow up news release, January 2023: Update on the Jack Hulland Elementary School investigation
Follow up news release, May 2023: Update on the Jack Hulland Elementary School investigation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

September 13, 2023, Charlottetown – Queens District RCMP responded to two separate single vehicle crashes yesterday that resulted in two impaired driving arrests.

Yesterday at 9:13 a.m. RCMP responded to a report of a car in the ditch in Mayfield. The investigation lead to the arrest of a 32-year-old man for impaired driving. He will appear in court at a later date to answer to impaired driving charges.

Yesterday at 1:46 p.m. RCMP responded to a report of a camper that had gone into the ditch in North Winsloe. Police located the driver of the camper who was also impaired. The 65-year-old man was arrested and will appear in court at a later date to answer to impaired driving charges.

No one was seriously injured in these instances. If you see a suspected impaired driver call 911.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Three men, all from New Brunswick, have been charged following an armed robbery in Moncton, N.B.

On April 25, 2022, at approximately 3:30 a.m., two men entered an establishment on McLaughlin Drive in Moncton, and demanded access to the safe while pointing a firearm at the employee. The two men then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, items belonging to the establishment, and a vehicle belonging to the employee. The two men were later arrested the same day in Miramichi, N.B.

On April 27, 2022, 42-year-old Joshua Landry appeared in Moncton Provincial Court, and was charged with robbery with a firearm, and unlawful confinement. On February 23, 2023, he was sentenced to a total of more than seven years in prison, minus time already served.

On September 27, 2022, 38-year-old Alain Pigeon, who had been in custody on unrelated matters, appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with several offences including using a credit card that was obtained by crime, several firearm offences, robbery, and unlawful confinement. He was remanded, and is scheduled to appear in court on September 19, 2023.

As the investigation progressed, police determined that a third individual was also connected to the investigation, and on July 11, 2023, Edward Clarence Blair Leet appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with conspiracy of committing an indictable offence. He was released, and is scheduled to return to court on October 24.

Members of the Miramichi police force assisted the Codiac Regional RCMP with the investigation.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A man in his fifties is deceased after his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashed on the railbed in the community of St. George’s this morning; he was the lone occupant.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. today, Bay St. George RCMP received the report of the incident. Police, firefighters and local paramedics responded. The ATV departed the trail and went down over an embankment. The operator, who was wearing a helmet, lost control of the ATV while attempting to turn around on the trail. He died at the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A commercial cod fishing vessel with four men on board went down in the waters off the coast of Fleur de Lys yesterday afternoon. One man was rescued, two men were recovered deceased and one man remains missing. The search for the missing man continues today.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, RCMP received the report of the sunken vessel from the Canadian Coast Guard. The 23-foot vessel was approximately one hundred meters off the shoreline and approximately one mile away from the harbour in Fleur de Lys when it sunk. Local fishermen rescued one individual from the shoreline and recovered two others who were deceased. The survivor, who was assessed by local EMS at the scene, did not require further medical attention.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was engaged yesterday. Resources from the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces were deployed and conducted a search of the area into the evening hours last night using a helicopter and multiple vessels. A number of local residents also assisted in last night’s search. The man was not located.

Today, searches on land, in the air and on the water are continuing with resources deployed from the Canadian Coast Guard, the Canadian Armed Forces and search and rescue teams from Deer Lake, Grand Falls-Windsor and Springdale. The RCMP Underwater Recovery team is engaged.

The investigation into the cause of the sunken vessel is continuing in partnership with Transport Canada and Workplace NL. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged.