The Edson RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has been actively investigating the following suspicious fires: Edson Chrysler Dodge Jeep on Dec. 9, 2019; vehicle fire in Edson on Dec. 9, 2019; KW Pet Store in Whitecourt, Alta., on Dec. 26, 2019; Edson Honda on Dec. 30, 2019; and the Petro Canada in Niton Junction, Alta., on Feb. 23, 2020.
Edson and Whitecourt RCMP GIS — with the assistance of RCMP GIS Units from Western Alberta District, Drayton Valley and Hinton; Grand Prairie Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams and other RCMP specialized support units — were able to identify and charge two individuals in connection with multiple suspicious fires.
A 37-year-old male and a male youth (17), both from Edson, are jointly charged with the following:
- Arson – damage to property (Edson Chrysler Dodge Jeep)
- Break and enter – commit theft over $5,000 (Edson Chrysler Dodge Jeep)
- Arson – damage to property (motor vehicle)
- Theft of motor vehicle over $5,000
- Arson – disregard for human life (KW Pet Store)
- Killing or injuring animals (KW Pet Store)
- Break and enter – commit theft under $5,000 (KW Pet Store)
- Arson – damage to property (Edson Honda)
- Break and enter – commit theft over $5,000 (Edson Honda)
- Obstruction of justice
The 37-year-old male is also charged with the following:
- Arson – disregard for human life (Petro Canada)
- Break and enter – commit indictable offence (Petro Canada)
The name of the youth will not be released pursuant to provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Following judicial hearings, both were remanded into custody to speak to bail and are scheduled to attend court at Edson provincial court on March 17, 2020.
On Dec. 26, 2019, the KW Pet Store break and enter resulted in the theft of a four-month-old male Chihuahua dog from the premises. The Edson RCMP are looking for the assistance of the public in locating this dog.
If you have this dog, please drop it off at the Edson Animal Control Dog Pound or alternatively, to the Edson RCMP, so that he can be returned to the owner. The Edson Animal Control Dog Pound is located at 3240-1 Avenue, Edson, Alta., and is open between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the dog is asked to contact Edson RCMP at 780-723-8822 or your local police. If you wish 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.
Edson RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Kevin Gaal, along with the Town of Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara, will be available for the media at Edson RCMP Detachment today at 2:30 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP your attendance, please contact Corporal Deanna Fontaine.
Background:
Jan. 6, 2020
The Edson Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership and vehicle fires that occurred on Dec. 9, 2019, are believed to be arson. It is believed that these two occurrences may be related.
Edson RCMP General Investigation Section continue to investigate the fire that occurred at the Edson Honda Dealership on Dec. 30, 2019 and it is believed to be suspicious in nature.
It is still unknown whether the recent Edson Honda Dealership fire is related to the Dec. 9, 2019, dealership and vehicle fires.
We are asking for anyone who has information, to contact Edson RCMP at 780-723-8822 or your local police. If you wish 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.
Background:
Dec. 30, 2019
Edson RCMP respond to fire at car dealership
This morning at approximately 5 a.m., Edson RCMP responded to a fire at the Edson Honda Dealership. The Edson Fire Department with assistance from the Yellowhead County Fire Department were able to extinguish the fire, which was located in an equipment showroom.
Edson RCMP along with the Office of the Fire Investigator continue to investigate the cause of this fire. Estimated damages are being tallied, and no one was injured.
The fire has not been linked at this time to the previous fires that occurred on Dec. 9, 2019 in Edson at a separate dealership and vehicle fire.
All three fires remain under investigation by the Edson RCMP, and an update will be provided when available.
Edson RCMP are asking anyone that may have been in the area of the Edson Honda Dealership around 4 a.m., this morning that could provide dash cam footage or may have seen anything suspicious to contact them at 780-723-8822. If you wish 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.
Background:
Dec. 9, 2019
Edson RCMP respond to multiple fires
On Dec. 9, 2019, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Edson RCMP responded to a structure fire at the Edson Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership. The Edson Fire Department continues to work to fully extinguish the fire.
On Dec. 9, 2019, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Edson RCMP received a call of a vehicle on fire in the area of 41 Street and 51 Avenue in Edson.
Both of these matters remain under investigation by the Edson RCMP.