Watch above: Canada-wide warrants have been issued for an Edmonton man wanted in connection with Wednesday’s fatal shooting. As Shallima Maharaj reports, police are wondering why the suspect was out on bail.
EDMONTON – Edmonton police have issued warrants, including second-degree murder, for the arrest of 25-year-old Luqman Osman, who has a criminal history.
The Canada-wide warrant was issued in connection with Wednesday morning’s fatal shooting at a central Edmonton lounge.
“We do consider him armed and dangerous,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Clark, of the EPS Homicide Section. “He should not be approached by any member of the public.”
Police were called to the Papyrus Lounge on 111 Street and 107 Avenue shortly after 12:30 Wednesday morning.
Officers found a 31-year-old man lying dead on the floor of the club suffering a gunshot wound.
Police identified the victim as Bekri Muhammed from the Edmonton area. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
READ MORE: Edmonton lounge scene of suspicious death
In Jan. 2014, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for the arrest of Luqman Osman after a shooting at the Ethiopian Canadian Community Association centre in Edmonton on New Year’s Day.
READ MORE: Edmonton police seek witnesses to New Year’s Day shooting
No one was injured in the shooting. He was wanted on numerous firearms-related offences. Osman, accompanied by his lawyer, later turned himself in to police.
On Thursday, police said he was out on bail after the Jan. 1 shooting. He was released on bail on Feb. 4.
“I don’t know why he was out on bail,” said Clark. “Unfortunately, it’s not up to the police.”
“We consider a dangerous individual. He has a lengthy history with police for some violent offences,” added Clark.
“That’s a very good question. Why is he out on bail?”
“Right now, we have charges out of second-degree murder, we have several firearms offences, and we have five breaches.”
Clark said Osman was out on conditions that included not being in a licensed establishment or drinking alcohol.
“Let’s face it. Those conditions are a bit of a joke.
“These guys don’t follow them when they’re of this criminal mindset, and he breached those, so we’ve added those charges in also.”
When contacted by Global News for comment, Alberta Justice said Osman also pleaded guilty to robbery in October 2009 and was sentenced to 47 months.
In the Jan. 1, 2014 case, he was charged with several offences, including careless use/storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, and hit and run.
His bail conditions included keeping the peace, a 10 p.m. curfew, staying in Alberta, not purchasing/possessing alcohol or intoxicating substances, no access to firearms, and not entering any licensed premise unless it’s a restaurant and he’s there to eat.
A spokesperson for Alberta Justice said since there are two cases before the courts, they are limited in what they can disclose.
However, she explained in general, when it comes to granting bail, “the presumption is in favour of release.”
“In this matter, the Crown has looked back at the decision to grant bail and determined nothing improper occurred.”
A preliminary hearing in the Jan. 1 case is scheduled for Feb. 27.
Police said Osman is from Edmonton but has worked from time to time in Fort McMurray.
Clark said witnesses at the lounge on Wednesday morning were very cooperative and provided information that allowed police to issue warrants for Osman’s arrest.
“Detectives have interviewed several witnesses at the scene of the incident, whose statements have been comprehensive and extremely helpful,” said Clark.
“The community can play a pivotal role in our investigations, and this is a prime example of that excellent partnership.”
Osman is described as being a black male, in his mid-20s, approximately 6’3” tall with a medium build. The suspect has a beard and visible scars on his neck, and was wearing a toque at the time of the incident.
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