Posted on

Winnipeg — Manitoba RCMP lay First Degree Murder charges

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services investigators have laid charges in the homicide of James Vernon Giesbrecht.

Giesbrecht’s remains were located the same day he was murdered – October 13, 2022. On the outskirts of the City of Brandon, in the RM of Corwallis, unidentifiable human remains were discovered in the trunk of a burned 2007 Honda Accord. RCMP investigators worked with a Forensic Anthropologist and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains and a determine a cause of death. Giesbrecht did not die as a result of the fire.

In December 2022, Giesbrecht was reported missing.

In January of 2023, Giesbrecht was identified as the victim through the use of the National Forensics Lab, and RCMP also knew at that point that Giesbrecht’s death was a homicide.

Investigators determined the Accord was stolen out of Regina and were able to identify the person responsible for stealing the vehicle, who was not involved in any way in the homicide. It was learned possession of the stolen vehicle changed to one of the suspects.

With the information investigators had, the RCMP put out several pleas to the public for assistance. Valuable information was received from the public, and RCMP criminal analysts worked diligently to find linkages to the suspects.

Working with the invaluable assistance of the Brandon Police Service, on September 11, 2023, three males were arrested for Giesbrecht’s murder.

Redstone Wombdiska, 28, was arrested at Headingely Correctional Centre and charged with First Degree Murder.

Joseph Lindsay, 36, was arrested at Stony Mountain Institution and charged with First Degree Murder.

Christopher Cutlip, 40, was arrested at the Brandon Correctional Centre and charged with Second Degree Murder.

No further individuals are being sought in relation to this homicide.

“From a policing perspective, this is a strong result – First Degree Murder charges are very serious and carry a heavy burden of proof,” said Superintendent Rob Lasson, Officer in Charge of RCMP Manitoba Major Crime Services. “We couldn’t have got here without the assistance of the Brandon Police Service and the public. The investigation would not have been solved without the public’s assistance because they got involved: they offered tips, provided statements. Also, our investigators never wavered in their dedication to tracking down those who committed a brutal and planned murder, and I thank them.”

The three accused remain in custody.

Posted on

President Biden commemorates 9/11 anniversary with service members in Alaska

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AFNS) —  

More than 1,100 service members gathered in a hangar to engage with the president as he highlighted the continued commitment to defense of the nation and support to allies as an ongoing tribute to the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. 

“We’ll never forget, when faced with evil and an enemy that sought to tear us apart, what we endured,” Biden said. “While every year we mark this hallowed day, it’s never easy. To anyone here or across the country who’s grieving a lost child, parent, spouse, sibling, friend or coworker. ….All those who still bear the wounds from that searing September morning, I know how hard it is on a day like this, bringing you back to that moment when you saw the news, or the moment you got that phone call, the moment you realized you’d never say again, ‘see you later, mom,’ or ‘talk to you soon, son.’ Think of everything your loved one might have done if they had a little more time. What would they have done?

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Amy Miller, 673d Medical Group aerospace medicine service functional manager, recounted how the events of 9/11 affected her.

Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11, 2001,” Miller said. “For me, I was an Airman 1st Class, serving at my first duty station, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as a medic. After being stopped in my tracks in disbelief, watching what was unfolding on TV. I remember getting the notification from my supervisor that I was being assigned to a search-and-recovery team and that I needed to go home and pack my bags. Our team was leaving that same night in response to the shocking attacks on our country that I watched unfold mere moments ago. I didn’t know what to expect, what we’d be doing, or how long we would be gone. I just knew that we were needed. Our country needed us. Our fellow Americans needed us, and we, as was our sacred duty, answered the call to serve.

Military presence in Alaska provides top cover for North America by defending, detecting, deterring and defeating threats to the homeland.

Terrorism, including political and ideological violence, is the opposite of all we stand for as a nation that settles our differences peacefully under the rule of law,” Biden said. “We’re going to continue to track terrorist threats in all forms wherever it may be. We’re going to continue to disrupt terrorist activity wherever we may find it, and I will never hesitate to do what is necessary to defend the American people – just as I will never forget our sacred duty to those of you who serve. Never before in our history has America asked so much of so many over such a sustained period for an all-volunteer force. You make up one percent of the population. You’re the strength, the backbone. You’re the sinew of America. Ordinary Americans, responding in extraordinary and unexpected ways – that’s who you are. You are the soul of the nation. That’s not hyperbole. 

“To me, that’s the central lesson of Sept. 11 – not that we’ll never again falter or face setbacks, it’s that for all our flaws and disagreements, there’s nothing that we cannot accomplish when we defend with our hearts, which make us unique in the world. Our democracy. Every generation has to fight to preserve it. That’s why the terrorists targeted us in the first place – our freedom, our openness, our institutions – but they failed. And we must remain vigilant.” 

The president said today, service members can look across the country and around the world and see anger and fear in places they have been stationed before. 

“It’s more important than ever that we come together around the principle of American democracy, regardless of our political background,” The president said. “We must not succumb to the poisonous politics of difference and division. We must never allow ourselves to be pulled apart by petty manufactured grievances. We must continue to stand united. We all have an obligation, a duty, a responsibility to defend, to preserve, to protect our democracy, and always remember American democracy depends, not on some of us but on all of us. American democracy depends on the habits of the heart, of ‘we the people.’” 

The Al Qaeda threat from Afghanistan and Pakistan has reached a historic low, Biden said, referencing a declassified memo from the intelligence community. 

“While [we have made all this progress] over the last 22 years, the resolve of the American people has proved we never bow, never bend, we never yield,” he said. “Our longest war is over, but our commitment to preventing another attack on the United States and our people and our allies will never, never rest. Never.” 

“On this day we must commit to continue to honor them all, through our selfless service to our nation, and by taking care of the families of the fallen, we must energetically be ready to fight and win our nation’s wars,” he said. “I am proud to serve with all of you. You are America’s best. For you had many choices and despite the hazard of our profession, you courageously chose to serve, and tell America, ‘I’ve got your back.’ I thank God for you all. May God bless you. God bless our great nation.” 

JBER serves as a premier power projection platform, and the decision to recognize the 9/11 anniversary here highlights the transition from a military focus on the Middle East to one of competition in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific Regions. 

“As a nation, we have many obligations, but I’ve been saying for 30 years, we only have one truly sacred obligation – to prepare those we send into harm’s way and care for them and their families when they return home,” Biden said. “And when they do not return home. It’s an obligation not based on party or politics, but on a promise that unites all Americans.” 

Posted on

Iqaluit — Search Warrant leads to drug seizure and arrest

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 8, 2023, members of the RCMP Major Crime Unit, Federal Arctic Unit, Forensic Identification Section, Iqaluit General Duty and the Containment Team attended a residence in the 2200 block of Iqaluit with a warrant.

As a result of the investigation officers seized 185 grams of cocaine, a sum of money, knife, air pistol, ammunition, currency counting machine, and electronic devices.

Hugo Devost-Thomas (31) has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine) and possession of property obtained by crime.

Devost-Thomas has been released to appear in court on October 12, 2023.

Posted on

Pangnirtung — Investigation into drug trafficking leads to significant seizures

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

One male from Pangnirtung and one male from Ottawa have been arrested and charged following an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs into the community.

Between August 31st, 2023 and September 5th, 2023 the RCMP conducted an investigation which included the execution of multiple search warrants and learned that a large amount of controlled substances were being shipped to Pangnirtung. On September 5th, 2023 search warrants were executed at the Canada Post Office in Pangnirtung where 465g of methamphetamine (approximately 1000 tablets), 53g of cocaine, 21g of MDMA and 480oz of liquor were seized.

The investigation continued and with the assistance of Canada Post Postal Inspectors, the RCMP members identified the believed supplier in Ottawa responsible for sending these drugs into Nunavut. A Canada wide warrant was issued for the arrest of Dustin Venton (32) of Ottawa and the RCMP obtained a search warrant for his residence. On September 8th, 2023 the Ottawa Police Service executed the search warrant and Venton was arrested. A search of his residence located 241g of cocaine, 28 hydromorphone pills, 50 methamphetamine tablets, a taser and a large sum of money.

Ken Papatsie (32) of Pangnirtung, NU has been charged with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to traffic MDMA, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking MDMA, and possession of liquor for the purpose of sale. This is in addition to the charges he has received from a search warrant executed on September 1, 2023. Papatsie is remanded in custody and will appear in court on September 26, 2023.

Dustin Venton has been charged in Nunavut with conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, conspiracy to traffic MDMA, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, and trafficking MDMA. Venton also faces additional charges out of Ottawa. Venton is currently remanded in custody.

Posted on

Pacific Air Forces commander releases PACAF Strategy 2030: Evolving Airpower

Source: United States Air Force

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) —  

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Pacific Air Forces commander, released “PACAF Strategy 2030: Evolving Airpower” during a briefing at the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference, Sept. 11.

In lockstep with the 2022 National Defense Strategy, PACAF Strategy 2030 provides Airmen with strategic priorities to defend the homeland, deter aggression, and reinforce allies and partners in the complex and ever-changing Indo-Pacific strategic environment.

PACAF Strategy 2030 ensures the command’s 46,000 Airmen and civilians continue to evolve competence in areas such as agile combat employment, maritime strike, multi-capable Airmen, resilient basing, information and intelligence sharing, and contested logistics.

“PACAF is evolving airpower and setting the pace to preserve peace and if necessary, fight and win,” Wilsbach said. “We understand the challenges inherent to generating airpower in contested environments, recognizing it is fundamentally different than projecting power from safe-haven bases. Therefore, we embrace the acceleration of change, leveraging innovation to benefit the United States and our many allies and partners.”

The document outlines the strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific and expands on America’s strategic competitors and how they attempt to undermine the rule-based international order through coercive actions.

According to the PACAF Strategy 2030, “If deterrence fails, PACAF will be ready to fight. These operational priorities reflect the urgency to accelerate change to meet the challenges of this decisive decade. Informed by our finite resources, PACAF will focus on four priorities: (1) enhance warfighting advantage; (2) advance theater posture; (3) strengthen alliances and partnerships; and (4) shape the information environment.”

Over the course of three days, and with briefings such as “Building the Warfighting Mindset,” “Ready to Compete, Fight, and Win in the Indo-Pacific,” “Cyber Warfare,” “Partnering to Win in the Space Fight,” “Global Threats and Opportunities,” and “Air Dominance”, the theme of the 2023 AS&CC is “Defeating Multipolar Threats: A Strategic Imperative for Airmen and Guardians,” further reinforcing the PACAF Strategy 2030.

“As the United States continues to navigate this decisive decade of uncertainty, PACAF must anticipate and rapidly adapt to new social, economic, and security conditions that impact the role of airpower within the Indo-Pacific,” Wilsbach said. “With the combined strength and experience of our Allies and partners, PACAF’s steadfast resiliency will continue to propel us forward to meet the challenges of the future.”

PACAF will continue to evolve airpower to set the pace over the next decade. View the full PACAF 2030 Strategy, here.

Posted on

Appeal to trace wanted man from Ealing

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for the public’s help to locate a wanted man from Ealing.

Jafar Al-Mossawy is wanted as part of an investigation into the supply of crack cocaine and heroin in London and Essex.

The 20-year-old has links to the Acton, Ealing, Harlesden and Watford in Hertfordshire.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2241/12SEP23. To report an urgent sighting call 999.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Posted on

Nain — Nain RCMP responds to report of suspected daytime impaired driver, woman arrested

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Following the report of a suspected impaired driver on September 9, 2023, a woman was arrested by Nain RCMP for driving while impaired.

At approximately 9:00 a.m., police received a report of a suspected impaired driver. Officers located the described vehicle and driver a short time later and conducted a traffic stop. The woman showed signs of alcohol impairment and failed a roadside breath test. At the detachment, she provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit.

The woman was released from custody and is set to appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of impaired driving. Her licence was suspended.

RCMP NL thanks the public for continuing to report suspected impaired drivers and remains dedicated to road safety for all users.

Posted on

Lower Greenwich — RCMP seeking public’s help following hit and run collision

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP is asking for the public’s help following a hit and run collision in Lower Greenwich, N.B.

On September 4, 2023, shortly after 7:50 P.M., members of the Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP received a report of a pickup truck being rear-ended three times by another pick-up truck at the intersection of Route 102 and Bathory Avenue, in Lower Greenwich.

The driver of the pickup truck that was rear-ended left the scene, as the driver and two passengers of the suspect vehicle got out of their truck and began throwing rocks and yelling at the victim.

Police are now seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect vehicle and persons of interest. The suspect vehicle is described as a black GMC Sierra, between 2014 and 2019, with damage to the front bumper. A licence plate is unavailable.

The persons of interest that were inside of the suspect vehicle are described as three men. The first man, the driver, is described as being in his early 30’s, approximately five feet eight inches (173 centimetres) tall, with crew cut hair, a full beard, and wearing a black shirt, a baseball hat, and jeans. The second man, a passenger, is described as being in his later 40’s, approximately six feet (183 centimetres) tall, with a buzz cut, wearing a red shirt and beige shorts. The third man, also a passenger, is a described as also being in his later 40’s, with a tan complexion.

Anyone that was in the area of Route 102 at the time and witnessed the incident, or who has information regarding the suspect vehicle or persons of interest, is asked to contact the Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP at 506-757-1020. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The investigation is ongoing.

Posted on

Windsor — West Hants District RCMP investigating hate-motivated mischief

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

West Hants District RCMP is investigating a hate-motivated mischief in Windsor.

On September 11, 2023, at approximately 11:15 a.m., West Hants District RCMP responded to a report of vandalism at a memorial located at 10 King St. in Windsor. RCMP officers learned that a racial slur had been written on the memorial.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators believe that the incident was motivated by hate.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact West Hants District RCMP at 902-798-2207. If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact 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 #: 2023-1350951

Posted on

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and CNMI agencies successfully conduct joint search and rescue exercise

Source: United States Coast Guard

 

09/12/2023 12:00 AM EDT

SANTA RITA, Guam — In a demonstration of steadfast commitment to maritime safety, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and Station Apra Harbor personnel teamed up with seven local CNMI departments to conduct a comprehensive search and rescue exercise (SAREx) off the coast of Saipan near Managaha Island on Sept. 7 through 8. 

For breaking news follow us on twitter @USCGHawaiiPac