Police save life during targeted enforcement project
More than 100 outstanding warrants were executed, dozens of encampments were removed and a man’s life was saved during a one-day targeted enforcement project earlier this week.
Members of the Lethbridge Police Service, with assistance from the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit, were deployed Tuesday in the downtown core and worked collaboratively as part of an ongoing initiative to address crime and disorder.
Project results:
- 107 outstanding arrest warrants executed
- 26 arrests
- 15 criminal charges laid
- More than 70 subject interactions related to open drug use, criminal or bylaw-related concerns
- More than 60 encampments dismantled and significant amounts of garbage and debris removed
- More than 20 interactions with community members and businesses
- Five calls for service addressed during the operation
- One life saved through a timely overdose response by police
During the project, officers observed suspected drug trafficking activity in Galt Gardens. As police moved in to investigate further, a male, who had been in contact with the suspect, began exhibiting signs of a drug overdose. Officers immediately administered naloxone (Narcan) and provided emergency medical assistance until EMS arrived. Police revived the 49-year-old overdose victim and after being assessed by EMS he was medically cleared.
The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 55-year-old Lethbridge woman. Police subsequently seized quantities of fentanyl packaged for street-level sales, additional controlled substances, cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Patricia Ann Healy, 55, of Lethbridge, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime. She was also found to be wanted on multiple outstanding warrants. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Healy was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14.
The targeted enforcement project reflects LPS’s ongoing commitment to enhance public safety through a balanced approach that combines enforcement, outreach and collaboration with community partners.
Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity by calling 403-328-4444.
LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies.
Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $10,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.
