Theft & Distracted Driving Awareness Month

On January 18, 2017 Morinville RCMP received a complaint that a construction trailer was broken into and its contents were stolen overnight.  The trailer was entered with force as it was locked with a padlock.  The trailer was at a rural construction site on Range road 244 near Township Road 560.  There are currently no suspects, however it is believed a pick-up would have been used due to the volume of items missing.

 

Any information to the above investigation can be referenced to RCMP file number 201769759.

-------------------------------

February is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In conjunction with the Alberta Traffic Safety Action Plan the Morinville RCMP and it’s law enforcement partners will be focusing it's attention on distracted drivers.

As everyone should now know distracting driving in Alberta now carries a $287 fine along with 3 demerit points upon conviction.  Registered owners of vehicles can also be levied the $287 fine for distracted driving.

Distracted driving is defined as the diversion of attention from driving as a result of the driver focusing on a non-driving object, activity, event or person.  This diversion reduces awareness, decision-making or performance leading to increased risk of driver error and collisions.

 

·        Safety on Alberta roads is always our top priority.

·        We all have a stake in our efforts to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads. Government, law enforcement and the many traffic safety partners are working together to find solutions. Drivers also need to realize the importance of the role they play too.

·        It only takes a second and a collision can occur.

·        Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel – put your focus where it should be.

·        Multi-tasking while driving could prove to be a fatal error in judgment.

·        Distracted driving literally impairs your driving ability.

 

Facts to Know

·        Research indicates that driver distraction contributes to 20 to 30 per cent of all collisions.  

·        Distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a collision than attentive drivers.

·        A study of collisions involving distracted drivers found reaching for a moving object in the vehicle increased the risk of a collision or near collision by nine times; insects in the vehicle increased the risk by a factor of six; reading, applying make-up, and dialing a hand-held device tripled the odds, and listening and talking on a handheld device increased the risk by 1.3 times.

·        Music volume should not be so loud that you cannot hear the sounds your vehicle makes, emergency vehicle sirens, or the ringing bells of trains when approaching a railroad crossing.

·        Alberta’s distracted driving law restricts drivers from:

§  using hand-held cellphones

§  texting or e-mailing

§  using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays, and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players)

§  entering information on GPS units

§  reading printed materials in the vehicle

§  writing, printing or sketching and

§  personal grooming

 

Drivers that exhibit what is deemed to be more serious or risky behaviors could be charged with “driving carelessly” under the Traffic Safety Act. The penalty for driving carelessly carries six demerit points and a fine of $543.

 

Morinville RCMP is asking that the public please take the above information seriously.  Our hope is to have everyone travel our roadways in a safe and responsible manner.

SRCWA #2017-009

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

RCMP warning & Armed Robbery Follow Up

RCMP warning of heroin laced with Carfentanil
Jan.20, 2017
submitted by RCMP Media Relations, courtesy of MorinvilleNews.com

The RCMP has been involved in an ongoing drug investigation in Strathcona County since October, 2016, during the course of which some quantities of heroin were seized and found to contain the extremely dangerous and potentially lethal drug, Carfentanil.

The samples of the substance which police believed to be heroin at the time they were seized were sent for analysis to Health Canada. The analysis was completed by Health Canada and received by the RCMP yesterday which confirmed that the seized substance is heroin. Noted in the analysis was the presence of Carfentanil in the heroin.

Carfentanil is listed under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and is an analogue version of the synthetic opioid analgesic Fentanyl, however it is approximately 100 times stronger than Fentanyl (which is itself approximately 100 times more powerful than morphine). It is extremely harmful and even the tiniest of particles could prove lethal. A dose of 20 micro grams of Carfentanil would be fatal to a person.

Illegal drugs containing opioids such as carfentanil and heroin, as well as any illegal drug, are not tested during the manufacturing process nor do the meet any safety standards. In addition, the conditions under which these illegal drugs are processed are not controlled and may be contaminated with other substances and drugs. In short, these products can lead to serious personal injuries and, in some cases, death.

This information is being sent out for public awareness and safety. This investigation is still ongoing and further details will be provided when they become available.


 
Morinville RCMP lay charges following armed robbery investigation
Jan.23, 2017submitted by Morinville RCMP, courtesy of MorinvilleNews.com

On January 18, 2017, following a search warrant executed in Bon Accord, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team, Morinville RCMP arrested 24-year-old James Gordon Toma in relation to an earlier incident.

On January 13 at 7:30 p.m., an armed robbery was reported to the Morinville RCMP. The suspect was reported to have fled in a blue Chevrolet Cavalier with the victim chasing that vehicle. Shots were fired and the two vehicles collided. Assistance was requested from the RCMP in identifying suspects and locating a blue Chevrolet Cavalier.

The Cavalier has since been located abandoned, and was seized by the Morinville RCMP.

James Toma is facing 23 criminal charges as a result of this investigation. 14 of these charges stem from the incident on January 13, 2017 as follows:
– Point a firearm
– Unlawful use of a firearm
– Possession of a weapon (firearm)
– Discharging firearm with intent (x 2)
– Aggravated Assault
– Unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Knowledge of Unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Firearm in a vehicle
– Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
– Fail to comply with conditions (x4)

Nine criminal charges are as a result of the execution of the search warrant on January 18 as follows:– Unlawful storage of a firearm
– Unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Knowledge of Unauthorized possession of a firearm
– Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
– Possession of property obtained by crime
– Fail to comply with conditions (x3)

As well as one charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Toma has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court of Alberta in Morinville on January 26, 2017 via CCTV.

One stolen handgun and a box of ammunition were among other items seized during the execution of the search warrant.

“As always, we’re pleased to remove a stolen handgun from the community,” says Sergeant Shayne Courtorielle. “We are committed to stopping any criminal enterprise and are grateful to the public for bringing issues to our attention.”

The RCMP continue to actively investigate and seek another suspect in this armed robbery. A further update will be provided when RCMP have information to release.

Editor’s note: Police have not provided an update on the missing County resident (also driving a blue Cavalier when last seen) or if they believe the incidents are connected. We will provide all details on all incidents as they are available.






SRCWA #2017-008

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Gibbons Armed Robbery UPDATE - found car

*UPDATE: January 17, 2017 courtesy of Morinville News.com:
by Morinville News Staff

RCMP report a blue Chevrolet Cavalier was located at approximately 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 abandoned in a rural area west of Morinville.

Police confirm the car is the one involved in the armed robbery with a firearm complaint reported in Gibbons Jan. 13.

Police are continuing with the investigation and thanked the public in locating the vehicle.
RCMP are providing no further details at this time and have not confirmed a connection to a missing persons report on 21-year-old Sturgeon County resident Colby James Gauthier who was reported driving his blue Chevrolet Cavalier when he was last seen leaving a friend’s residence in Gibbons Jan. 13 around 6 p.m.

Gauthier is described as caucasian with fair complexion, very short, dark brown hair, brown eyes. He is described as 5-foot-11, 140 lbs and clean shaven.
The search for Gauthier continues.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call the Morinville RCMP or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.



Story courtesy of Morinville News.com
by Morinville News Staff


An adult male was robbed at gunpoint in his vehicle by an armed Caucasian male Friday. The incident took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Mac’s store in Gibbons.


Police say the suspect fled in a blue Chevrolet Cavalier north on highway 28A with the victim chasing. While on Highway 28A, the suspect’s and victim’s vehicle collided in the northbound lane, which resulted in the passenger from the suspect vehicle shooting at the victim’s vehicle. RCMP say one of the rounds struck the victim in the arm. The victim sustained minor injuries and sought medical assistance but has since been released from hospital.


Police do not believe there is a risk to the public at this time, but police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the blue Chevrolet Cavalier, which sustained a severely-damaged rear bumper and a broken driver-side tail light.
If the vehicle is located, police are advising not to approach it.

Police are asking those with information to contact the Morinville RCMP if you have any information regarding this incident or about the vehicle or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward.











SRCWA #2017-005-1

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Break & Enter - RR 261 & Hwy 651

On January 16^th, 2017, Morinville RCMP received a report of a break and enter into a residence on Range Road 261 just North of Secondary Highway 651, in Sturgeon County. The victim returned home to find the glass on their front door smashed in to gain entry. Their wedding ring, other jewelry, and electronics had been taken.

 

Police believe the break in happened between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

  

If you have any information about this matter, please contact the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4520. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact crime stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers, and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest, the recovery of stolen property, and/or the seizure of illicit drugs, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous.

SRCWA #2017-007

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Missing Male

courtesy of MorinvilleNews.com

----------------------------

Morinville RCMP note there has been an increase in Mail Box break ins.

 

The most recent was on Highway 651 between Range Road 240 and Range Road 235. 

Please contact RCMP with any information.

----------------------------

SRCWA #2017-006

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Gibbons Armed Robbery with Firearm

*UPDATE: January 17, 2017 courtesy of Morinville News.com:
by Morinville News Staff

RCMP report a blue Chevrolet Cavalier was located at approximately 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 abandoned in a rural area west of Morinville.

Police confirm the car is the one involved in the armed robbery with a firearm complaint reported in Gibbons Jan. 13.

Police are continuing with the investigation and thanked the public in locating the vehicle.
RCMP are providing no further details at this time and have not confirmed a connection to a missing persons report on 21-year-old Sturgeon County resident Colby James Gauthier who was reported driving his blue Chevrolet Cavalier when he was last seen leaving a friend’s residence in Gibbons Jan. 13 around 6 p.m.

Gauthier is described as caucasian with fair complexion, very short, dark brown hair, brown eyes. He is described as 5-foot-11, 140 lbs and clean shaven.
The search for Gauthier continues.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is asked to call the Morinville RCMP or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.



Story courtesy of Morinville News.com
by Morinville News Staff


An adult male was robbed at gunpoint in his vehicle by an armed Caucasian male Friday. The incident took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Mac’s store in Gibbons.


Police say the suspect fled in a blue Chevrolet Cavalier north on highway 28A with the victim chasing. While on Highway 28A, the suspect’s and victim’s vehicle collided in the northbound lane, which resulted in the passenger from the suspect vehicle shooting at the victim’s vehicle. RCMP say one of the rounds struck the victim in the arm. The victim sustained minor injuries and sought medical assistance but has since been released from hospital.


Police do not believe there is a risk to the public at this time, but police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the blue Chevrolet Cavalier, which sustained a severely-damaged rear bumper and a broken driver-side tail light.
If the vehicle is located, police are advising not to approach it.

Police are asking those with information to contact the Morinville RCMP if you have any information regarding this incident or about the vehicle or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward.











SRCWA #2017-005-1

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Mischief in Sturgeon County / President's Feature

During the night on January 3, 2017, Morinville RCMP received a complaint regarding several people and a fire in the middle of the road near of Rge Rd 250 and TWP Rd 542 in Sturgeon County.

 

At this stage of the investigation, Police have not identified any suspects.

 

Please contact the Morinville RCMP if you have any information about this incident.

----------------------------------------

January 12, 2017

Hi everyone and welcome to 2017!  We wish you all a very good year.

Our first reminder of the year is that the year round burn permits are now available at the Sturgeon County office or online.

Our second reminder is to install your county addresses – emergency services cannot help you if they cannot find you.  (See note below about county address signs.)

As previously mentioned, because we are not news media we are not able to be on the news media press release list.  We are however, able to share the RCMP news releases that morinvillenews receives.  You will have noticed in some of our recent fan outs, it indicates the information is courtesy of morinvillenews.  Thank you Stephen, this is working well and it means all of our members are aware of the current criminal activity in our county and towns.  The RCMP information we receive is fanned out as well.

We are still looking for members to become Directors with SRCWA and represent Zone 5 - Riviere Qui Barre, Zone 6 - Alcomdale/Mearns and Zone 9 - in the area of Hewitt Estates.  Being a Director is not as overwhelming as it may sound.  It is however, a commitment to attend once per month meetings - ten months of the year with only eight actual meetings.  We have all taken on these volunteer positions with the safety and wellbeing of the residents from our areas in mind. There is strength and safety in numbers and the more directors and members we have on board the safer our communities will be. Please contact me at sturgeonrcwa@gmail.com for more information.

A question was brought forward at our meeting on Tuesday night – the answer was provided by Susan Evans, Councillor, Division 2;

Question: Regarding Municipal Address Signs – does/did the County pay for signage – it was thought that the County did so in the past.

Answer: The County used to “sell” the signs about six or so years ago but at no time did the County pay for them.  While the signs are not mandatory they are very helpful for identification purposes such as dust control and emergency services. If you would like more information please contact Susan or the Councillor for your division. 

We have been offered the use of the meeting room at the Protective Services Bldg at 54509 RR 252 in Sturgeon County.  Fire Chief Pat Mahoney confirmed that our Tuesday, May 9^th, 2017 meeting can be held there. The change will be only for the May meeting. This is a great opportunity for any of the residents of the County to tour the building and see what services are provided. There will be a staff member there to show us around and answer questions.  Everyone from the County is welcome.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at sturgeonrcwa@gmail.com,

Francoise Meunier

President

Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association

 

SRCWA #2017-004

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Morinville Robbery & Assault and Intersection Safety - courtesty of Morinville News

Morinville Robbery and Assault
*from Morinville News by Morinville News Staff (January 6, 2017)

Morinville RCMP are looking for public assistance in locating a wanted man who discharged bear spray and robbed a liquor store in Sandy Beach at approximately 6:15 p.m. Dec. 30, 2016.

Police say the suspect male sprayed bear spray in the liquor store, stole a small amount of liquor, and departed. While outside the liquor store – the male discharged the bear spray through a vehicle window at a man who was not associated with the liquor store, nor aware of the robbery. Police say the suspect then fled on foot.

The clerk in the liquor store was not injured, and the bystander in the vehicle suffered minor injuries as a result of the discharge of the bear spray.

RCMP investigation has determined that 29-year-old Taron Twoyoungmen is responsible for the above incident and is facing the following charges as a result:
– Assault with a weapon
– Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
– Disguised with intent to commit an offence
– Robbery – with other offensive weapon
– Fail to comply with Probation Order (x3)

A warrant for his arrest has been granted.

 

The Morinville RCMP are requesting public assistance in locating Twoyoungmen. If you have information about his whereabouts, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.





Police looking for rolling stops and other intersection infractions this month

*Full article available at Morinville News by Morinville News Staff (January 6, 2017)

The province is reminding motorists to be cautious at intersections. January is Intersection Safety Month, and local police will be out looking for rolling stops and other intersection infractions.

Inspector Steve Daley, Acting OIC Traffic Services, Alberta RCMP, K Division, said drivers should never assume the other drivers are always going to do the right thing at an intersection.

“You should always check for vehicles approaching the intersection to make sure they are going to stop completely or yield the right of way,” Daley said. “Safe driving means that we are constantly watching the road and other drivers to avoid dangerous collisions.”

Failure to stop at a stop sign carries a $388 fine and three demerits. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 and four demerit points.







SRCWA #2017-003

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Mischeif - Suspicious Vehicle - Theft (Gibbons, Legal)

During the night, on December 13, 2016, Morinville RCMP received several complaints regarding a person shooting a Pellet Gun in the Gibbons area. The suspect targeted multiple vehicle and residential windows.

 

At this stage of the investigation, Police have not identified any suspects.

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the day, on December 25, 2016, Morinville RCMP received a complaint regarding a suspicious person in the yard of a business in the area of Legal.

At this stage of the investigation, Police have identified a White Ford F350. However, Police have not identified any suspects.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the night, on December 6, 2016, Morinville RCMP received a complaint regarding theft from a residence under constrution in the Gibbons area. Furthermore, several generators and portable heaters were stolen.

 

At this stage of the investigation, Police have not identified any suspects.

 

Please contact the Morinville RCMP, if you have any information about this incident or any of the above incidents.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SRCWA #2017-002

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Theft from Vehicle

RCMP File #2016-1669367

 

Sometime overnight on Dec 21, 2016 an unknown person backed their vehicle into a parked car in a driveway on Rge Rd 255 near 642.  The culprits then stole a number of tools from the vehicle. Please be vigilant and call in suspicious activity.

Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association wish you a safe and happy new year!








SRCWA #2017-001

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.