RCMP briefs from around Alberta

Okotoks

RCMP have laid charges against an area pharmacist following an investigation into shortages of narcotics.

In October, RCMP in Okotoks were contacted by loss prevention officers from a local Safeway and made aware that a significant amount of narcotics had been diverted from the pharmacy. Officers from the Okotoks detachment investigated and examined pharmacy records which showed that over 33,000 tablets of narcotics were stolen from the pharmacy by an employee over a five year period.

Leanne Rogalsky, 52, of Calgary is charged with Fraud over $5000, Theft over $5000, Breach of Trust, 15 counts of Trafficking a controlled substance and 15 offences contrary to the Narcotics Control Regulations. She’s alleged to have been creating fake patients and logging fake prescriptions under their name, then taking the narcotics from Safeway Pharmacy. The offences are alleged to have taken place from Aug. 1, 2012 to Oct. 13, 2017.

———

Lake Louise

A 17-year-old man was fatally injured while competing in a Downhill NorAm race at Lake Louise ski resort on Dec. 5.

Police report that the youth was a competitor from Germany, and lost control during his run. He suffered serious injuries, with emergency first aid provided on the scene, with STARS transporting him to hospital. On Dec. 6, the youth succumbed to his injuries and died in hospital.

———

Rockyview County

Strathmore RCMP are investigating after a body was discovered earlier today east of Calgary. A citizen called the RCMP at 8 a.m. on Dec. 6 reporting that they had found a deceased man near the intersection of Range Road 282 and Township Road 232. Investigators were on the scene throughout the day and continue to investigate. The deceased has been transported to the Calgary Medical Examiners Office and an autopsy is scheduled to take place on Dec. 8. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in solving an attempted arson, which thankfully was put out by neighbours.

Police report that on Dec. 5 at 7:30 a.m., RCMP responded to a call for assistance by the Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department regarding a fire located at a residence in Becker Crescent. A citizen walking her dog had noticed smoke coming from the residence. She enlisted the help of a neighbour and together they put out the fire. No one in the residence was injured. It was determined that the fire had been intentionally set by an item seized at the scene. Damage was limited to the exterior of the residence.

———

Desmarais

An autopsy conducted at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Edmonton today has determined that the death of an adult male whose body was found in a residence on Bigstone Cree Nation on Saturday, Dec. was a homicide.

Investigators from the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit are engaged in the ongoing investigation with assistance from the Desmarais RCMP Detachment.

Although police have tentatively identified the deceased man, confirmation of his identity is pending additional information from today’s autopsy. Meanwhile, the RCMP is seeking the assistance of the public in this matter, as it is believed that members of the local community and nearby area may have knowledge relevant to the circumstances surrounding the man’s homicide. Bigstone Cree Nation is located approximately 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.

———

Rimbey

RCMP are investigating two separate vehicle arsons in Rimbey. The first incident occurred on Nov. 30 at approximately 3:40 a.m., when a truck was set on fire in the compound of an auto service company. A man, wearing a blue hoodie and jeans, entered the compound and set the truck on fire.

Then on Dec. 5, at approximately 3 a.m., a SUV was set on fire in the compound of a towing company. A man entered the compound and set fire to the SUV. A light-coloured F150 was seen leaving the scene. RCMP continue to investigate these incidents and ask anyone who may have information to contact them.