During a two-week joint initiative, the Lethbridge Police Service and the Alberta Sheriffs Fugitive Apprehension Sheriff Support Team or FASST, executed more than 60 outstanding warrants during targeting wanted offenders.
The project, which ran from Sept. 2-11, involved members of the LPS Crime Suppression Team and FASST working together to locate individuals wanted on warrants for serious offences ranging from assault with a weapon, sexual interference and incest, to unlawful confinement, distribution of sexually explicit materials and failing to provide the necessities of life.
“Collaborating with FASST to bring these violent offenders into custody reflects our shared commitment to making communities safer,” says Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh. “Ensuring offenders are held accountable remains a priority for our service, and we will continue to pursue those who attempt to evade the consequences of their actions.”
FASST is a specialized unit of Alberta Sheriffs that collaborates with police agencies across the province to apprehend fugitives, including escaped prisoners, individuals with outstanding warrants and offenders in violation of parole.
As a result of the short-term initiative, 11 offenders were located and brought to justice. In several cases, investigators determined additional subjects had left the city and partner law enforcement agencies in those jurisdictions were notified in an effort to facilitate additional apprehensions.
FASST is a valuable support to local law enforcement throughout the province, adds Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis. “I’m pleased to see FASST’s recent collaboration with the Lethbridge Police Service has resulted in another resounding success that has made the city’s streets and neighbourhoods safer for residents.”
