The Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit arrested a Calgary man who is alleged to have committed seven separate robberies, including one in Trochu that captured headlines in January.
The Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit with assistance from numerous RCMP Detachments as well as partner agencies, conducted an investigation over the past several months into a series of robberies that were targeted at banks in the southern part of Alberta. These incidents occurred in Granum, Caroline, Vauxhall (on two separate occasions), Trochu, Calgary and Magrath.

On Jan. 30, 2020, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Three Hills RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at the Alberta Treasury Branch (ATB) in Trochu.
A male in disguise entered the ATB ATM vestibule where he removed what is believed to be a firearm from a Red Husky duffle bag. He then entered the ATB branch and demanded money from an employee of ATB. The male suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of money. No one was injured.
On June 23, 2020 Jesse Damond Morton (44) of Calgary was arrested in Calgary in relation to these robberies. A search warrant was conducted at a storage locker resulting in the seizure of an SKS rifle and $2750 in US currency.

He has been charged with 21 offences some of which include:

· Robbery (x7)
· Wear a disguise during the commission of an offence (x7)
· Using a firearm during the commission of an offence (x2)
· Pointing a firearm
· Possession of a prohibited weapon

A judicial release hearing was conducted yesterday and Morton remains in custody and will be appearing in Airdrie Provincial Court on July 23, 2020.

SAD CRU would like to thank all the agencies involved, including support services, other police services, members of the public, and financial institutions.

June 18, 2020
Dear editor,
Caring for over four million people who call Alberta home, Alberta Health Services (AHS) takes pride in being proactive, and as an ally for those who need help, supporting them to be well and safe.
That includes driving out racism and intolerance.
Last week we experienced a sobering reminder that racism and intolerance exist everywhere around the world and that no place is immune to it. We are investigating an act of racism that occurred at the Drumheller Health Centre, after a racial slur and threat was discovered in our facility.
There is no place for racism and intolerance in our healthcare system, and in society.
We are taking this extremely seriously. Alberta Health Services is investigating, with the full support of the RCMP, and we will take every possible step to ensure that the responsible person(s) are held accountable for their actions.
We stand with our staff and physicians who have been impacted by this senseless act. We are ensuring they and their families get the support they need.
We also stand with our community partners and any resident in Drumheller who faces racism, discrimination or intolerance. We are grateful for the messages and calls of support that have been expressed for our staff and physicians, including those from the Town and MLA Nate Horner.
Each of us has a role to play in ensuring our communities welcome and respect Albertans of all cultures, traditions and beliefs. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that all patients, families, staff, and physicians – regardless of their race or background – feel safe in our health facilities.

We have been made aware of unacceptable acts and language within AHS in the past and, as an organization, have taken steps to address, listen and educate and will continue to do so.

We have vowed to do better.
No one, whether they work at AHS, or are at AHS to receive care or to visit a loved one, should be made to feel unsafe.
Beginning last week, and moving forward we are working closely with the site to ensure the necessary safety and security measures are in place. As well, we will be coordinating opportunities to support coming together – with appropriate physical distancing and COVID-19 protocols in place – to show our solidarity with colleagues in Drumheller.

We ask our community partners to join with us as we support our colleagues impacted by this unacceptable act and we look forward to inviting the community to participate with us as details are finalized.

It will take all of us standing together to ensure everyone feels safe, included and respected.

Dr. Verna Yiu
AHS President and CEO

Janice Stewart

Chief Zone Officer AHS Central Zone

Dr. Jennifer Bestard

Zone Medical Director (Interim) AHS Central Zone