Alberta
Two males facing various charges, following firearm-related incidents in restaurant drive-throughs
Police seek public’s help to ID two remaining suspects
Two men are facing various charges in connection to a pair of firearm-related incidents that occurred in two Edmonton restaurant drive-throughs on Oct. 9.
At approximately 3 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, EPS Southwest Branch patrol members responded to a weapons complaint at a restaurant near 103 Street and 80 Avenue.
It was reported to police that several males, who did not have access to a vehicle, were ordering food at the restaurant’s drive-through window. At that time, a 2018 Dodge Durango carrying four males pulled into the drive-through behind them. It is alleged, the 24-year-old driver of the Durango stepped out of the vehicle and approached the complainants, then pointed a firearm at the male complainants, before lowering the weapon and firing a shot at the ground.
The remaining three suspects subsequently exited the vehicle and approached the complainants. Two of the suspects then violently assaulted an 18-year-old male and a 22-year-old male with both complainants falling and striking their heads on the ground. The suspects continued to assault the males while they lay on the ground, before returning to their vehicle.
Paramedics treated and transported the two males to hospital with what appear to be serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
Approximately 25 minutes later, EPS Northwest Branch patrol members responded to a weapons complaint at a restaurant drive-through near 96 Street and 165 Avenue. In this incident, it was reported to police that a male driving an SUV approached the drive-through window demanding a large quantity of food. The male suspect then verbally abused the clerk, before allegedly reaching for and displaying a firearm inside the vehicle, while staring at the restaurant employee. The vehicle subsequently fled the scene.
With the help of surveillance video in the area, EPS investigators were able to confirm that the same 2018 Dodge Durango was involved in both incidents. At approximately 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, police located the suspect vehicle, and surrounded a residence near 178 Avenue and 103 Street NW.
A search warrant was executed at the home, where investigators recovered a firearm believed to be the weapon used by the suspect male in the two incidents. Police also seized various ammunition and 110 grams of cocaine.
Isiaha Chermak, 24, of Edmonton (the driver) and Darrious Ellis (one of the passengers), have each been charged with aggravated assault and various firearm–related offences.
Investigators are releasing surveillance images of the two other suspect males, who still remain at large. Anyone with information about these two individuals and/or the driver and passenger of the silver Mazda 3 seen in the images, is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
EPS investigators are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the two remaining suspects (circled in above photos) involved in a firearm-related assault in a fast food drive-through south of Whyte Avenue at approximately 3 a.m., Oct. 9th. Police would also like to speak to the driver and passenger of the silver Mazda 3, which was also in the drive-through that evening (seen in above photos).
Alberta
Former senior financial advisor charged with embezzling millions from Red Deer area residents
News release from Alberta RCMP
Former senior financial advisor charged for misappropriating nearly $5 million from clients
On April 4, 2024, the RCMP’s Provincial Financial Crime Team charged a Calgary resident for fraud-related offences after embezzling millions of dollars from his clients while serving as a senior financial advisor.
Following a thorough investigation, the accused is alleged to have fraudulently withdrawn funds from client accounts and deposited them into bank accounts he personally controlled. A total of sixteen victims were identified in the Red Deer area and suffered a combined loss of nearly $5 million.
Marc St. Pierre, 52, a resident of Calgary, was arrested and charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000 contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; and,
- Theft over $5,000 contrary to section 344(a) of the Criminal Code.
St. Pierre is scheduled to appear in Red Deer Provincial Court on May 14, 2024.
“The ability for financial advisors to leverage their position to conduct frauds and investment scams represents a significant risk to the integrity of Alberta’s financial institutions. The investigation serves as an important reminder for all banking clients to regularly check their accounts for any suspicious activity and to report it to their bank’s fraud prevention team.”
- Sgt. John Lamming, Provincial Financial Crime Team
The Provincial Financial Crime Team is a specialized unit that conducts investigations relating to multi-jurisdictional serious fraud, investments scams and corruption.
Alberta
Political parties will be part of municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary pilot projects
Strengthening Alberta’s local elections
Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to ensure Albertans can rely on transparent, free and fair elections, and municipally-elected officials have clearer accountability measures.
In a democratic society, Albertans expect their local elections to be free and fair, and their elected officials to be held to account by clear rules that govern their local councils. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and ensure local councils and elected officials continue to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them.
“Our government is committed to strengthening Albertans’ trust in their local governments and the democratic process that elects local leaders. The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections.”
Local Authorities Election Act
Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern local elections. To strengthen public trust in local elections, Alberta’s government will eliminate the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines. All Albertans should be able to trust the methods and results of local elections; requiring all ballots to be counted by hand, clarifying rules and streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.
All eligible Albertans should be able to vote in local elections without impediment. Alberta’s government will limit the barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot by expanding the use of special ballots. Currently, special ballots can only be requested for very specific reasons, including physical disability, absence from the municipality, or for municipal election workers. By expanding the use of special ballots, the government is encouraging more voter participation.
Amendments in the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act would increase transparency in local elections by enabling political parties at the local level. Political parties would be enabled in a pilot project for Edmonton and Calgary. The act will not require candidates to join a political party in order to run for a local or municipal office, but will create the opportunity to do so.
In addition, proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act would allow municipalities the option to require criminal record checks for local candidates, thus increasing transparency and trust in candidates who may go on to become elected officials.
Municipal Government Act
The role of an elected official is one with tremendous responsibility and expectations. Changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will strengthen the accountability of locally elected officials and councils. These include requiring mandatory orientation training for councillors, allowing elected officials to recuse themselves for real or perceived conflicts of interest without third-party review and requiring a councillor’s seat to become vacant upon disqualification.
If passed, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act will also unlock new tools to build affordable and attainable housing across Alberta. Proposed amendments under the MGA would also create more options for municipalities to accelerate housing developments in their communities. Options include:
- Exempting non-profit, subsidized affordable housing from both municipal and education property taxes;
- Requiring municipalities to offer digital participation for public hearings about planning and development, and restricting municipalities from holding extra public hearings that are not already required by legislation; and
- Enabling municipalities to offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions.
Municipal Affairs will engage municipalities and other partners over the coming months to hear perspectives and gather feedback to help develop regulations.
Quick facts
- The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
- The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.
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