Alberta
‘Unthinkable and horrific:’ 2 Edmonton police constables shot on job, suspect dead
Const. Travis Jordan
Const. Brett Ryan
By Angela Amato in Edmonton
Officers embraced each other and wiped away tears Thursday as Edmonton’s police chief relayed details of how two constables were shot and killed at an apartment complex while responding to a domestic violence call.
“Today, the Edmonton Police Service has been marked by an unthinkable and horrific tragedy as two of our members have died in the line of duty,” Chief Dale McFee told a packed and solemn news conference at police headquarters.
A young man considered a suspect in the shootings was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McFee said.
He identified the officers who died as Const. Travis Jordan, 35, an 8 1/2-year veteran with the Edmonton force, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, who had been with the service for 5 1/2 years.
McFee said the officers were called shortly before 1 a.m. to a family dispute at an apartment building in northwest Edmonton, part of a large red-brick complex of three-storey walkups.
“The two patrol members went inside the building, approached the suite and were shot by a male subject,” McFee said. “All indications are they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms.”
The officers were rushed to hospital by colleagues who worked to keep them alive, said McFee. They were declared dead at hospital.
A woman was also taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remains in serious but stable condition.
McFee said there was no remaining threat to the community.
He said the police force is devastated by the deaths of the officers. “We know their family, their friends, their EPS family and the entire community will be profoundly impacted by this incident.
“We must all be there for each other. This is a time where we lean in and lean on each other.”
McFee said supports are being offered to the officers’ families and colleagues.
The atrium where McFee spoke was packed with more than 100 officers and police staff. Members held and patted each other.
Mike Ellis, Alberta’s minister of public safety and a former police officer, was visibly shaken as he spoke at the news conference.
“Every day, police officers across Alberta put their uniforms on and they protect and serve their communities. The sudden and tragic death of these two Edmonton Police Service officers reminds us again of the dangers the police officers face on a daily basis.”
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also spoke.
“Every day families of the police officers send their loved ones off to duty, to work, and hope they return home safely. This did not happen today for Ryan’s and Jordan’s families.
“When you see an officer working to keep you safe, please thank them for their service.”
About a dozen police cars and a forensics truck were parked near the apartment complex. The scene was taped off and a road leading into the area was also blocked.
Police services in Calgary, Vancouver, the Greater Toronto Area and Halifax were among those expressing condolences on social media.
“This is a tragic loss and one that is shared among law enforcement including our team. We are here to offer our support to (Edmonton police) as well during a devastating time,” Calgary deputy police chief Chad Tawfik wrote on Twitter.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith offered condolences from the provincial government.
“Alberta would not be the great province it is today without the support of the courageous men and women who patrol our streets every day to keep our communities protected,” she said in a statement.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also posted a message on Twitter.
“Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe,” he wrote.
“The news that two Edmonton police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues — we’re here for you.”
Thursday’s killings are the first among the Edmonton Police Service since 2015.
Const. Daniel Woodall, a hate crimes investigator, was using a battering ram to enter a home when he was shot numerous times through a door. Another officer was struck by a round that penetrated his body armour and he survived.
In 1990, Const. Ezio Faraone was shot and killed responding to an armed robbery.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2023.
— With files from Ritika Dubey, Jeremy Simes and Bob Weber in Edmonton.
News release from Innisfail RCMP
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update #3
Innisfail, Alta. – RCMP would like to provide additional details and clarify some information with regards the search efforts and the ultimate rescue of Lorraine Vandenbosch who went missing from Dickson Point Campground on May 29, 2023.
Upon locating Lorraine as she emerged from a heavily wooded area, rescue teams had difficulties transporting her due to a steep embankment. Alberta RCMP Air Services were again up to the task in supporting rescue efforts by landing in the difficult location and transporting Lorraine . She was taken for medical assessment and ultimately transported by STARS to hospital. Lorraine remains confused about her ordeal and RCMP have few details at this time.
Background
June 1, 2023
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update #2
Innisfail, Alta. – RCMP are please to report that after 4 days of searching, Lorraine Vandenbosch has been located by rescue teams alive and in good spirits.
The RCMP helicopter located Lorainne this morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. walking out of a heavily wood area near the Dickson Trout Pond.
Lorainne is receiving precautionary medical attention and is with her family.
RCMP would like to thank the tireless effort of all involved in this search: Red Deer County SAR, Rocky Mountain House SAR, Sundre SAR, Wetaskiwin SAR, Red Deer County Patrol, Innisfail Fire Dept, Red Deer County Fire Dept, Spruceview Fire Dept, Alberta Conservation Officers, Raven Crime Watch and Mounted Horse volunteers.
RCMP would also like to thank the organizations that provided food to the teams, Spruceview Bakery and Red Deer Costco. This support allowed the rescue teams to continue working long hours.
Background
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female – Update
Innisfail, Alta. – Innisfail RCMP continue to search for Lorraine Vadenbosch who went missing from the Dickson Point Campground at Glennifer Lake yesterday. RCMP with assistance from Red Deer County, Sundre, and Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue teams are actively searching the area.
While search teams continue to search, we are asking residents in the Glennifer Lake, Dickson, Spruce View, and nearby areas, to check your properties including treed outcroppings and outbuildings for Lorraine.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lorraine, please contact the Innisfail RCMP Detachment at 403-227-3342. If you want to remain anonymous, you can 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.
May 29, 2023
Innisfail RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing elderly female
Innisfail. Alta. – Innisfail RCMP are seeking public assistance in locating a missing elderly female. Lorraine Vandenbosch (78), a resident of Didsbury, was last seen on May 29, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the Dickson Point Campground at Gleniffer Lake. Lorraine may be confused and there is great concern for her safety.
Lorraine is described as:
- 5 feet tall
- Red hair
- Light complexion
- Last seen wearing white pants, white and black shirt, black runners and a cream colored hat
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Lorraine, please contact the Innisfail RCMP Detachment at 403-227-3342. If you want to remain anonymous, you can 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.
TORONTO — The head of Ontario’s cannabis distributor says the “race to the bottom” happening with pot prices risks hurting the market’s future.
Ontario Cannabis Store chief executive David Lobo says when consumers get used to paying lower prices, it can take a generation to change their perception and convince people to pay more again.
In an economy where inflation is stubbornly high and raising the costs of most consumer goods, he says the industry can’t keep pushing lower.
Lobo says the OCS is doing its part in fighting the race to the bottom with a forthcoming plan to lower its margins, which he estimates could hand $60 million to licensed pot producers next year.
Since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2018, pot producers have been dropping prices to fight the illicit market, where weed is much cheaper and sellers operate outside restrictions imposed on the legal market.
Statistics Canada said a gram of legal cannabis cost $10.29 on average in 2019, whereas the OCS had some dried flower products selling for under $4 this week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2023.
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