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Residents alerted about suspicious people
By
Editor
Okotoks RCMP are asking local parents, children and individuals to practice methods of safety after three unrelated incidents of suspicious persons have surfaced in the last week.
'We are currently investigating three separate incidents involving a suspect male approaching young kids and then another approaching a woman,' said Cpl. Jim Stewart of the Okotoks RCMP detachment.
Stewart explained that on Wednesday RCMP received a call that a 15-year-old girl was grabbed from behind in Lions Park by a suspect male. The young girl kicked the perpetrator and was able to get away.
Unfortunately the young girl was unable to identify the suspect and police searched the area to no avail.
In a separate incident, police were notified of a suspect male who revealed himself to a young woman on the pathway near the water treatment plant last Tuesday morning.
'The male exposed himself and masturbated in front of the jogger,' said Stewart.
The man is said to be in his 30s with thin features. He has dark hair and was wearing a dark ball cap. He was on a white mountain bike.
These two incidents, as well as a previous incident at Big Rock School in Okotoks where two young boys were confronted by a suspect male, are not believed to be related.
'It doesn't appear to be the same suspect,' said Stewart.
While Stewart is hoping to alert the public, he is also hoping residents will not panic.
'It is okay to be aware, but we don't want to send out any alarms,' he said.
He explained that additional bike and foot patrols have been ordered and officers will concentrate on specific areas of the pathways and parks.
'We would ask for the cooperation of the people in using the paths,' said Stewart.
Stewart is asking that people be aware of the time of day they use the pathways, who they are with and to mix up their routine. Everyone is asked to use extra caution.
Parents are also asked to speak to their children about talking to strangers, street smarts and about being safe.
'We are trying to do everything we can to identify and bring these people in,' said the officer.
All incidents are being actively investigated separately.
Motta inquiry continues Tuesday
By
Staff reporter
The fatality inquiry into the death of Okotoks resident Vince Motta will resume Tuesday, Oct. 1 when a report by an asthma specialist may be considered.
Two more days have been scheduled for the inquiry.
The inquiry into Motta's unusual death following a routine appendectomy was held for two weeks in June but was extended for another three days in September to continue hearing evidence and review emergency health reports requested by Judge Manfred Delong.
Two more days have been scheduled in October, disappointing Motta's parents who have sat through every day of the inquiry.
During next week's inquiry the asthma specialist will either provide evidence or lawyers for the inquiry will advise the judge on what recommendations he should make in the case.
Judge Delong cannot ascribe blame but can make recommendations to prevent a similar death from happening in the future.
Motta, 23, died after having his appendix removed at the High River Hospital on Jan. 2, 2000. He had previously visited two Calgary hospitals with his mother but left due to long waits.
Following the operation in High River Motta, an asthmatic, reacted adversely to the anesthetic that had been administered to him.
He was then airlifted to Rockyview Hospital in Calgary as the High River Hospital did not have the equipment or medicine on hand to deal with Motta's condition.
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