Cocaine seizure in Strathmore

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

Following a complaint about an erratic driver approaching Strathmore on Highway 1 on June 9, Strathmore RCMP initiated a traffic stop as the described vehicle entered Strathmore town limits.
Following the driver’s arrest, approximately 250 grams of cocaine were located inside the vehicle and it was consequently seized.
According to a media release, the driver’s sobriety was investigated which resulted in several charges laid against the driver, 25-year-old Yonas Negussie of Brooks, Alta., including impaired driving by drug, breach of conditions and possession for the purpose of trafficking. Negussie will remain in custody until his court date on June 19.

Impaired boat operator on Chestermere Lake
A vessel operated by a lone male was recorded operating at higher speeds near other water craft on Chestermere Lake on June 8 at approximately 7:30 p.m. The vessel was stopped for a safety inspection by Chestermere RCMP during a routine safety patrol, where it was noticed the operator had been consuming liquor, according to a media release.
Following an investigation, it was found the operator was impaired by alcohol and his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit.
The 37-year-old operator from Calgary will appear in Strathmore Provincial Court to face charges of impaired operation of a vessel and operation of a vessel while over .08.

Chestermere hand gesture misinformation on social media
On June 10, Chestermere RCMP received a complaint concerning suspicious behavior in the Cove area of Chestermere. A lone male wearing a dark hoodie was walking along a pathway behind a residence and made a hand gesture towards two youths jumping on a trampoline in a back yard.
The youths went inside their home and told a parent. Although no further observations of the individual were reported, the interaction caused concern for the parents, and led to community patrols to attempt to locate the individual.
Social media postings have been generated with comments warning the public about an attempted abduction.
In a media release on June 11, Chestermere RCMP clarified that although there was a report of a hand gesture, there was no other reported nefarious behavior from the male and he did not make any attempt to approach the two youths, nor was there any indication he left the walking path.

Chestermere residential structure fire
Chestermere RCMP responded to assist Chestermere Fire Services at a residential fire in Lake Erie Estates at 5:13 a.m. on June 12.
One home was destroyed by the fire; neighbouring residences were not affected.
It is confirmed by a media release on June 12, that Chestermere RCMP are investigating the death of an adult male, whose identity is currently unknown, who was located inside the home which was destroyed by the fire. The death is not considered suspicious at this time and an autopsy is scheduled for later this week.
At the time of publication, the cause of the fire was unknown. RCMP continue their investigation into both the death of the male individual and into the cause of the fire.