Calgary
Okotoks RCMP – Three men arrested and charged with multiple criminal offences
Okotoks, AB – On May 13th, 2018, around 8:00 am, the Okotoks RCMP received a call from a property owner of a suspicious vehicle with two occupants in a rural property in the MD of Foothills.
RCMP attended the location, confirmed there were two stolen vehicles on site, and the home had been entered. Two suspects were arrested without incident. A third suspect fled the scene on foot. The RCMP police dog services were engaged and after a brief search, the Police Dog Services located the suspect.
Items used to assist in committing property related criminal acts were located in the possession of the suspects.
Mathew Gilchrist (35) has been charged with the following criminal offenses: Break and enter, possession of stolen property under $5000 x 4, possession of break in tools, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace x 2, and possession of intercepting device. He was released on his own recognizance.
Jordan Sims (34) has been charged with the following criminal offenses: Break and enter, possession of stolen property under $5000 x 4, possession of break in tools, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace x 2, and possession of intercepting device. He was released on his own recognizance.
Christopher Ireland (40) has been charged with the following criminal offenses: Break and enter, possession of property under $5000 x 4, possession of break in tools, possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace x 2, possession of intercepting device, fail to comply with recognizance x 4, possession of controlled substance and misuse of credit card. He was initially held in custody pending a bail hearing.
The RCMP encourage residents to provide the RCMP with local intelligence on potential criminal activity. Members of the community know when there are strange vehicles in the area, or when suspicious behaviours are observed. When the RCMP receives this information it assists with the deployment of resources. The public is encouraged to report crimes that have been committed, no matter how small. This feeds the RCMP’s larger intelligence picture.
If you have information about this crime or any crime, please call the Okotoks R.C.M.P. at 403-995-6400 or call your local police. 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 (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
Read more stories about crime in the region on Todayville.com.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:
“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.
“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.
“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.
“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”
News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)
ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit has searched and closed three Calgary massage parlours. A year-long investigation has linked the businesses and its owner to suspected human trafficking.
ALERT arrested Hai (Anna) Yan Ye on April 16, 2024 and charged the 48-year-old with advertising sexual services, drug offences and firearms offences. The investigation remains ongoing and further charges are being contemplated.
Ye was linked to three commercial properties and two homes that were allegedly being used for illegal sexual activities and services. The massage parlours were closed following search warrant executions carried out by ALERT, the Calgary Police Service, and the RCMP:
- Seagull Massage at 1034 8 Avenue SW;
- 128 Massage at 1935 37 Street SW; and
- The One Massage Centre at 1919 31 Street SE.
- 1100-block of Hidden Valley Drive; and
- 3100-block of 12 Avenue SW.
As result of the search warrants, ALERT also seized:
- $15,000 in suspected proceeds of crime;
- Shotgun with ammunition; and
- Various amounts of drugs.
“We believe that these were immigrants being exploited into the sex trade. This has been a common trend that takes advantage of their unfamiliarity and vulnerability,” said Staff Sergeant Gord MacDonald, ALERT Human Trafficking.
Four suspected victims were identified and provided resources by ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinators.
ALERT’s investigation dates back to February 2023 when a tip was received about suspicious activity taking place at the since-closed Moonlight Massage. That location was closed during the investigation, in December 2023, when the landlord identified illegal suites on the premises.
The investigation involved the close cooperation with City of Calgary Emergency Management and Community Safety, Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) team, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the RCMP.
Ye was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions.
Anyone with information about this investigation, or any case involving suspected human trafficking offences, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
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