Police have arrested suspects involved in brutal downtown Valley Line LRT attack on senior, 4 still at large

In February 2024, a 64-year-old man was violently attacked at the ground level Churchill platform of the Valley Line LRT in downtown Edmonton. The man was waiting for a train when he was approached by a male suspect with whom he had a brief verbal exchange that escalated into a physical assault. Five other suspects joined in the attack, robbing the man before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Three suspects have been identified and charged, while three others remain unknown.

The Edmonton Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the three outstanding suspects in connection with the attack. Suspect #1 is described as a man of medium build and height wearing a white puffy jacket with a maroon/purple scarf, black pants, white running shoes with no laces, and carrying a black backpack. Suspect #2 is a 30 to 40-year-old man of slim build with dyed hair, wearing a black face mask, a black hat with a cannabis leaf on the front, and other distinctive clothing. Suspect #3 is described as a woman between 25 and 30 years old with shoulder-length straight brown hair, wearing a brown sweater, teal baggy pants, and white running shoes.

A warrant has been issued for Markus Lee Gladue, 21, who is wanted for aggravated assault, possessing an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, and robbery in connection with the attack. Additionally, two other individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to the assault. Brady Rodney Desroches-Smith, 28, is charged with aggravated assault and robbery, and Travis Damian Houle, 35, is charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and failure to comply with a probation order. It was noted that at the time of his arrest, Brady Rodney Desroches-Smith was also wanted for first-degree murder by the Grande Prairie RCMP.

The Edmonton Police Service is urging anyone who can identify the three remaining suspects or has information related to the attack to contact them at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online. Const. Anton Golosov expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance thus far and hopes that someone will recognize the suspects in the photos provided and come forward. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.