Community Alerts Archive
Saskatoon Police Service Update - Escaped Inmate Arrested
The following news release was issued by Saskatoon Police Service last evening....
Escaped inmate Steven Best has been arrested at 10:25 PM, after being seen in a vehicle in downtown Saskatoon. The arrest was made without incident by utilizing Patrol members, K9 and the Air Support Unit
Escaped Inmate - RUH
At Approximately 0555 a.m. a serving prisoner escaped from his guards at the Royal University Hospital. Twenty-Nine year old Steven Best is 5 ft 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 175 pounds with blue eyes and blond hair. He was serving a sentence for weapons offences and was awaiting sentencing on robbery charges. It is unknown what he is wearing.
If seen do not approach and call 911. Police are still at scene and more updates will be released as the situation develops.
"Peeping Tom" Near University Campus
The University of Saskatchewan is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspicious male noticed peering into windows several times over the past week. Campus Safety suggests residents living in or near south campus residences take precautions against this "Peeping Tom" who was most recently reported looking into windows on October 19th.
The suspect is described as:
- Caucasian (White)
- 150-180lbs (68-80kgs)
- Mid-twenties
- Light Coloured Hair
- He was last seen wearing a black bunny-hug (hoodie), light (white) pants and light coloured shoes
Photographs taken by a witness are available online at www.usask.ca/campussafety/identify-these-people.php
Witnesses last week stated that they first saw the suspect on October 8th tapping on the glass outside their window. Two days later he was spotted by the same witness across the courtyard looking into another window. At that time, the university sent out a campus-wide email and text message to alert the community.
Residents are reminded to keep windows and blinds closed in the evenings, and to make sure gates and doors are securely locked.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Campus Safety at 966-5555 or the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300.
Theft from Vehicles
Campus Safety would like to remind faculty, staff and students to protect their valuables while leaving their vehicles parked on campus.
Sometime over the night of September 3rd and 4th, seven vehicles parked in U Lot in McEown Park had their contents removed, with an eighth vehicle having been stolen completely. Vehicle owners are reminded to remove all items such as keys, shopping bags, purses and ipods from their vehicles, and ensure all doors and windows are shut and locked. Theft from vehicles is a crime of opportunity, and often the more difficult a vehicle is to steal from, the less likely it will be a target.
Please report all suspicious activity in or around campus parking lots immediately to Campus Safety at 966-5555
Police search for person of interest in U of A shootings
The Edmonton Police Service has identified a person of interest in the early-morning shootings at the University of Alberta.
Homicide Investigators are trying to determine the whereabouts of Travis Brandon Baumgartner, 21, a G4S employee, who is believed to be one of several armoured company employees that attended the U of A around midnight today, Friday, June 15, 2012, to make a delivery.
Baumgartner (See photo below) is the owner of a dark blue Ford F-150 pick-up truck with an Alberta licence plate number, ZRE 724. Baumgartner’s status in relation to this investigation is unknown at this time. Members of the public are urged to use extreme caution if they happen to come in to contact with Baumgartner, and to contact the EPS complaint line at 780-423-4567 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Health Canada Announcement of Scheduling of MDPV ("Bath Salts") Street Drug
OTTAWA, ON - Fredericton Police Chief Barry MacKnight, [Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and Chair of the CACP Drug Abuse Committee] joined the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament Shelly Glover to announce that MDPV will be regulated as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act following a fast-track process.
"In recent months there has been an increasing awareness of this harmful drug, commonly known as "bath salts" which is becoming growingly available in many communities, in particular Eastern Canada" stated Chief MacKnight. "This drug, along with the behaviours associated to it, is a serious concern for the police and many others in our communities."
Chief MacKnight continues: "Swift action in scheduling MDVP in the Controlled Drug and Substances Act is an important step from both an enforcement and education perspective. This is sending a strong message to Canadians, and especially young Canadians, that this drug is extremely harmful while also allowing enforcement agencies to deal with those who victimize some of the most vulnerable people in our communities - the young and those who suffer from addiction."
The CACP supports a balanced approach to the issue of substance abuse in Canada consisting of prevention, education, enforcement, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and where appropriate, alternative measures and diversion to counter Canada's drug problem.
"Today's announcement is an important part of that balance and I, on behalf of the CACP, would like to commend the federal government for their quick response in recognizing the extreme dangers of the "bath salts."
A Health Canada News Release can be found at:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2012/2012-93-eng.php. Further information on "Bath Salts" has been published by the June 5, 2012 Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse: CCSA-CCENDU-Drug-Alert-Bath-Salts-2012-en.pdf
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) was established in 1905 and represents approximately 1,000 police leaders from across Canada. The Association is dedicated to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada. Through its member police chiefs and other senior police executives, the CACP represents in excess of 90% of the police community in Canada which include federal, First Nations, provincial, regional and municipal, transportation and military police leaders.
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For further information, please contact:
Timothy M. Smith,
Government Relations & Strategic Communications
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
Tel.: 613-601-0692
Email: timsmith2000@rogers.com
ATM / Banking Fraud
The Saskatoon Police Service is reminding residents to be conscious and aware of ATM/Banking Fraud.
In incidents that have been reported across the city, the victim is approached by a lone male who asks them to deposit an envelope into the ATM and withdraw their own cash to cover it. It is later discovered that the envelope was empty. In other cases, the suspect gives them fraudulent cheques and asks the victim to cash them for him. Police have recorded at least eight similar incidents in the last two weeks.
The suspect is described as between 5'8" and 6'0" in height and 170 lbs. He is Caucasian and has a number of marks on his face.
Saskatoon Police would like to remind the public to never complete a transaction on someone else's behalf.
Victims of similar incidents are encouraged to contact Saskatoon Police at 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Montreal Police issue Canada Wide Warrant
A Canada-Wide warrant was issued for Luka Rocco MAGNOTTA today in relation to a homicide in the city of Montreal. If you see this person, contact your local police or 911 emergency immediately.
Last name: Magnotta
First name: Luka Rocco
Age: 29 ans
Height: 1.78 m
Weight: 61 kg
Hair: Noirs
Eyes: Bleus
Ethnic origin: Blanche
Investigator in charge: 911
Investigator phone number : 911
File no.: CM-12-011
Report of Sexual Assault on U of S Campus
U of S Faculty, Staff and Students,
The Saskatoon Police are investigating a sexual assault which occurred yesterday afternoon.
At approximately 1:00 p.m. on May 23, 2012, the female victim was on the U of S Saskatoon campus when she was approached by a male. He convinced her to attend to a nearby parking lot off of Seminary Crescent. When they arrived, the suspect sexually assaulted the female before fleeing on foot.
The suspect is described as having dark skin and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with a dark blue or black jacket and white sunglasses.
The victim wasn’t physically injured during the incident.
A photo is attached below.
If anyone has information relating to this incident, please contact Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The Saskatoon Police would like to remind people to be vigilant when they are out and about in the city and take precautions. Travel in pairs, ensure someone knows where you’re going and what time to expect you back, and avoid dimly lit places.
Sincerely,
Bob Ferguson
Director of Campus Safety
Composite Sketch - Robbery With Violence - MVA Trail/Train Bridge
Date: May 11, 2012 16:37 Release Number: 2012-0339
Released by: Alyson Edwards Occurrence Number: 12-41110
Subject: Update - Composite Sketch - Robbery With Violence - MVA Trail/Train Bridge (rel#335)
Saskatoon Police are releasing a composite sketch of the suspect involved in a robbery with violence which occurred Thursday, May 10, 2012.
The suspect is described to be in his late 20's and of First Nations descent. He is approximately 5'11" in height with a "chubby" build, dark hair and a clean-cut appearance. At the time of the robbery he was wearing a ball cap, dark jeans, a black zip-up hoodie and had on wire-framed glasses with a light tint.
At approximately noon yesterday a female was jogging northbound on the MVA trail toward the train bridge on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River. When she slowed to a walk she was grabbed from behind by a male who threatened to harm her. The suspect demanded her Ipod and fled the scene. The victim was not physically harmed.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Robbery on the Meewasin Trail
At 12:20 p.m., the Department of Campus Safety responded to a reported robbery on the Meewasin Trail, near the train bridge adjacent to the university campus in Saskatoon. A female was jogging, was approached by a male, and had her iPod shuffle stolen.
The suspect is described as an Aboriginal male in his mid-twenties and slightly chubby. He wore a dark baseball cap, reading glasses, a dark hoodie with a light emblem on one of the sides at chest level, dark pants and runners.
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Help Identify This Individual
Please help us identify individuals who may have information related to an incidents on campus. To view our pictures please follow the link below:
New photos were added May 8th, 2012.
Report Of Sexual Assault On U Of S Saskatoon Campus
University of Saskatchewan students, faculty and staff:
In early January 2012, the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Campus Safety received a report of a sexual assault against a female occurring in McEown Park student residence on the university's Saskatoon campus. It was reported that alcohol and other drugs may have been involved in the assault. This incident was first reported to, and is being investigated by, the Saskatoon Police Service. The university is fully co-operating in this investigation.
I urge anyone who feels they may have information related to this incident to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300.
I also encourage you to take personal safety precautions, as outlined by Campus Safety: www.usask.ca/campussafety/safety/personal-safety.php and to always take precautionary measures with alcohol and other drugs, as outlined by Campus Safety:www.usask.ca/campussafety/safety/alcohol-and-drugs.php.
Sincerely,
David Hannah, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs
For more information, contact:
Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300
Hamza Alsharief Still Missing
The Saskatoon Police Service continues to ask for public assistance in locating Hamza Alsharief.
The 23 year old university student, originally from Saudi Arabia, was last in contact with family on December 14th, 2011. Investigators do not suspect foul play, however family members say it it unusual that he has not had contact with them since that time. Recent information indicates that a jacket, similar to the one commonly worn by Alsharief, was located on the CP train bridge around the time of his disappearance. A passerby thought the jacket was lost and hung it on a tree behind the Education Building at the University of Saskatchewan. The jacket has not been seen since; leaving investigators unable to confirm that it belonged to Alsharief.
Hamza Alsharief is described as 5'8" in height, with a slim build, short to medium length brown hair, possibly with a "soul patch" below his lower lip.
A photo of Hamza Alsharief wearing the jacket is below.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Hamza Alsharief or the jacket in question is asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service at 975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
*Click image for a larger version.
Missing Person - Request for Public Assistance
Locker Thefts
There has been a significant increase in locker thefts, Campus Safety would like to remind students to use a strong durable lock, and not put any valuables inside. If you witness any suspicious activity in or around any locker area, or other parts of Campus please contact Campus Safety immediately. (966-5555)
Update - East Side Indecent Exposures - Request for Public Assistance (re#636,659)
The Saskatoon Police Service is investigating 14 incidents of indecent exposure believed to be committed by the same male suspect, which have occurred on the City's east side since mid June, the most recent occurring October 5, 2011.
Bicycle Thefts on Campus - Two Youths Arrested
Campus cyclists are reminded to take care of their bicycles after several thefts already this summer. Additionally, campus users are asked to continue to be vigilant when witnessing suspicious behaviour on campus.
Street Robberies
The following is a news release sent out by the Saskatoon Police Service April 27, 2010.
Varsity View Robberies
The following is a news release sent out by the Saskatoon Police Service
Culligan Empty Bottle Scam
The following is a notice from Culligan Water that we have been asked to pass on to the University Community.
Haiti Relief Efforts
The State of Florida, Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) advises all Floridians that financial support for Haiti is the BEST option at this time.
Public Safety Advisory - Sexual Assaults
Saskatoon Police are advising parents and students to keep safety in mind when walking to and from school following two incidents this month.
Identify These Individuals
Please remember to check our Most Wanted photos on our Crime Stoppers site frequently to see if you recognize any of the individuals listed.
Identify These Individuals
Please visit http://www.usask.ca/campussafety/crimestoppers/identify.html to view recently updated photos of suspects in current open investigations.
Campus Safety has Moved!
The Department of Campus Safety has moved to the Animal Science Building located at 72 Campus Drive.
Our phone number remains 966-5555.
Campus Safety is Moving!
Help Identify These Individuals
Campus Crime Stoppers has posted new images of recent crime events and needs your help to identify those involved.
Vehicle Break-ins
Campus Safety has seen an increase in vehicle break-ins since the end of the holiday season.
Campus Telephone Service Outage
Due to an Upcoming upgrade to the University’s phone system, telephone service will be unavailable for approximately 40 minutes between 8:00pm and 12:00am, the Evening of Friday, December 26th.
Fond Du Lac Evacuees
Tuesday evening 40 evacuees from Fond Du Lac arrived on Campus. The Forest fires continue to burn out of control in North Saskatchewan. There is expected to be 60 more evacuees arriving to stay on Campus in the next few days.
Rental Scam
Campus Safety wants to make the University Community aware of potential rental property scams in the Saskatoon classifieds.
Over the last two weeks, Saskatoon Police have been made aware of incidents where persons seeking accommodations have come across advertisements that are not legitimate. In reported cases, the complainants were asked to send a deposit to the person holding the property in the form of a money gram.
If a person is looking for accommodation either through an Internet site or in the paper, take steps to protect yourself from fraud. Make a follow up call to the renter, preferable through a land line.
Please call University Crime stoppers @ 966-TIPS if you have information on these reported scams.
WEATHER WARNING
Saskatoon and surrounding area is under a weather warning for this weekend and following into early next week. please continue reading for more details as per Environment Canada Weather..
Email Spam Warning - Verify Email Address
Campus Safety would like to warn all University of Saskatchewan Faculty, Staff and Students about an attempted email and password collection scam...
Extreme Temperatures!
Well it's Winter in Saskatchewan and over the past few days we have experienced record breaking temperatures such as -50 with the wind chill! In order to protect ourselves from these extreme temperatures we need to take the following safety precautions...
Quiet Weekend
Campus Safety enjoyed a quiet weekend with few serious incidents reported...
IACLEA Statement respecting the Virginia Tech tragedy
The University of Saskatchewan Department of Campus Safety is a member agency in IACLEA (International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Agencies). Following is a statement released by Association President Steven Healy earlier this week respecting the Virginia Tech tragedy:
NORWALK VIRUS
Campus Safety wishes to warn the public to practice caution after an outbreak of the Norwalk virus occurred on campus.
FREEZING RAIN/SNOWFALL WARNING
Campus Safety alerts the campus community to use extreme caution after the City of Saskatoon received frrezing rain and a large amount of snow on the evening of Nov. 7 and morning of Nov. 8.