Six suspects charged with forcible confinement following home invasion

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 14, 2024.

Police have charged six suspects with several charges, including forcible confinement, after discovering a male who had been assaulted and unlawfully confined within a residence on Monday.

The male was discovered after officers responded to a noise complaint at a home on Belfast Street, and was found assaulted and unlawfully confined within the home.

Two suspects were at the scene and were identified as responsible for holding the male captive and were arrested, while the victim was transported to hospital and released after receiving treatment.

The investigation resulted in four additional suspects charged with breaking into the victim’s home located in the 400 block of Fifth Avenue SE, apprehended, police say, in the act of committing a break and enter while disguised to conceal their identities.

Daozhong Wang, 22, Jesse Keller, 44, Alexander Grenger, 19, Anyanka Granger, 21, Jeremy Anderson, 45, and Brittney Wells, 22, have all been charged with assault with a weapon, break and enter with theft under $5,000, disguise with intent and forcible confinement.

According to police the suspects’ intent was to recover items they allege the male victim had taken from them recently, and say all were known to one another.

Five of the six accused were remanded into custody and one was released with conditions.

Parcel thefts

Police say they have received several reports of parcel thefts from porches and front-door areas of homes recently, and have charged one suspect in connection.

On Nov. 8 police charged a 38-year-old male who is believed to be linked to additional similar incidents that remains under investigation.

Police say a majority of the thefts occurred after parcels were delivered and left unattended, providing “thieves an opportunity to intercept the packages before homeowners could retrieve them,” states a press release.

As the Holiday Season approaches, police are encouraging residents to take extra precautions to prevent packages from being stolen.

– Use an Amazon locker or pickup point: Many retailers, including Amazon, offer secure locker or pickup point options for convenient and safe parcel retrieval.

– Instal security cameras and signage: Visible cameras and security signage can deter would-be thieves. Ensure cameras are positioned to clearly capture activity on your porch.

– Schedule deliveries or use specific instructions: If possible, arrange deliveries for times when you’re home or provide instructions for a hidden, secure location for packages.

– Instal a smart doorbell: Smart doorbells with cameras allow real-time monitoring and communication with visitors at your front door, even if you’re not at home.

– Consider a parcel delivery box or lockbox: A delivery box or lockbox offers a secure spot for parcels. Many models can be bolted down or use smart locks accessible to delivery personnel.

– Ask a neighbour for help: If you have a trusted neighbour, ask if they can retrieve your package if they’re home during the delivery.

– Use delivery alerts and tracking: Enable delivery notifications and tracking to know exactly when your package will arrive and adjust delivery options if needed.

– Require a signature for delivery: For high-value items, request a signature upon delivery to ensure the package isn’t left unattended

Police are asking the public to report any suspicious activities by calling 403-5229-8481.

The suspect’s identity cannot be released at this time as the charges have not yet been sworn into court.