RCMP identify suspect in Sherwood Park explosions

[Retired AF Guy]

The latest from the bombings in Sherwood Park, AB.

RCMP identify suspect in Sherwood Park explosions as Kane Kosolowsky

Jonny Wakefield & Juris Graney Updated: November 8, 2018
“Out of character.” Those were the words a grieving family used Thursday to describe the actions of Kane Kosolowsky, the suspect linked to a pair of explosions in a Sherwood Park parkade earlier this week.

Even the family says it has no idea what drove the 21-year-old to do what he did Tuesday night in the multi-level parking area of the Strathcona County Community Centre.

At this stage, nor do the RCMP.

“We … are shocked and devastated by the unfortunate incident,” said a statement issued by the RCMP on behalf of unnamed family members.

“We are thankful that there were no other persons harmed in this unexpected incident.

“The events that occurred are totally out of character for Kane and we trust that the authorities will continue a thorough investigation to provide the answers we are all seeking.”

Officers found a severely injured Kosolowsky in the community centre parkade at around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, not long after reports of an explosion and a fire. He was rushed to hospital where he later died. Autopsy results released Thursday revealed he died from a gunshot wound. Police say they are not looking for any further suspects.

Few details about Kosolowsky’s life have so far trickled out. A court record search showed he had no criminal record in Edmonton. His social media accounts show that he liked the gym and he liked cars.

About two hours after the first explosion, a second one shook the building prompting evacuations of neighbouring buildings including Festival Place, county hall, an aged care facility and Salisbury Composite High School.

Salisbury Composite and nearby St. Theresa’s Catholic school remained off-limits to students Thursday but were scheduled to reopen Friday along with Festival Place.

There was no known threat to any schools in the surrounding areas, police said.

The community centre parkade is still a crime scene but roadblocks in the area are expected to be removed soon. Additional investigation into the explosions inside the parkade is anticipated to take several days.

Despite the fact the explosive disposal unit and RCMP special tactical operations unit have deemed the area outside of the parkade safe, county hall will remain closed until late next week.

An initial structural survey has been conducted but there is no timeline on when the community centre will open again.

While Mounties have not identified any motive for the attack, the fact the RCMP major crimes unit is leading the investigation, rather than the force’s integrated national security enforcement team (INSET), offers some indication of law enforcement thinking.

RCMP K Division spokesman Fraser Logan said the major crimes unit is handling the investigation because “there is no indication that this incident is related to any group or ideology.”

“The major crimes unit will continue to work through partners, such as INSET, to ensure we investigate all avenues as thoroughly as possible.”

Strathcona County set up a phone number for people with vehicles still in the parkade to contact.

Anyone trying to retrieve their vehicles is asked to call 780-417-7100.

“County departments continue to ensure that essential services are delivered to our community,” Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank said Thursday in a statement.

“In that regard, we appreciate our residents’ flexibility with respect to how and where they access these services.”
jwakefield@postmedia.comjgraney@postmedia.com

Article Link

 

[Retired AF Guy]

Some info on Tannerite, the explosive apparently used in the Sherwood Park explosions.

Tannerite Binary Exploding Targets in Canada
By Adriel Michaud on June 7, 2014 in News

Tannerite in Canada

This legislation was decided long ago, but came into effect recently and we’re just now starting to see binary exploding targets getting on shelves here in Canada. I thought I’d whip up a quick post on them specific to Canada.

What is Tannerite?

Tannerite is a brand named patented by the official company Tannerite.com. It’s pretty safe considering it’s an explosive: it’s not flammable, is typically sold unmixed to reduce the risk even more, and generally needs to be hit with a high velocity rifle round to detonate. Tannerite.com ships 1 million pounds each year.

Where can you use Binary Exploding Targets?

The short answer: wherever you won’t be messing things up for people. The Ontario CFO recently banned its use from ranges, and I’d think that most ranges would have banned it anyways unless there’s some way of making a reusable, safe target stand for them. It’s destructive to turf and most target stands and would likely increase the number of complaints that a range would get. This is more of a “pit in the middle of nowhere”, “only at a safe distance” kind of thing to play with. Make sure your local municipal regulations don’t have anything against them. You also need to hit the target with a high velocity bullet like a 223. 22LR won’t work, and 17 HMR only works some of the time.

Is Tannerite Legal in Canada?

Yes. Recent (enacted Feb 1) changes by the ERD means that Tannerite and other approved brands of binary exploding targets are now legal for use. You are only supposed to mix the 2 parts when you’re going to use it, and there are rules around misuse within the criminal code of Canada. You can only legally mix 1 lb at a time. Know your municipal regulations and don’t be a jackass.

Is it Dangerous?

When used improperly, yes! The manufacturer does not recommend large batches of the product, recommends suspending the product above the ground, recommends hitting the target at a distance of more than 100 yards, and that the targets should not be covered by debris or items that may become shrapnel. Inside a watermelon, sure. Surrounded by metal or wood, no. People have been killed by misuse of these targets.

Where can you buy Tannerite or Binary Exploding Targets in Canada?

Keep in mind that availability is going to be coming and going. This product is new to Canada, so many people are buying big lots of it to play with. As of today (June 18), some retailers have stock, and everyone is bringing lots more in. Note: these links are not a recommendation from me, they’re just places I found that said they’re bringing some in, selling, or making more exploding binary targets.

    Direct from Tannerite.com
    Marstar (in stock 6-17-2014)
    Press Check Ventures (in stock 10-7-2014)
    Section8Sports (in stock 7-9-2014)
    HiCal
    Reliable Gun (in stock 6-18-2014)
    SFRC (Shockwave – in stock 6-18-2014)
    Rouge River Arms (Shockwave)
    iRunGuns (in stock 6-17-2014)
    Gryphon Energetics
    AmmoSupply.ca (selling Gryphon Energetics Binary exploding targets)

Link includes photos and links to suppliers.

Regulations concerning Tannerite from Natural Resources Canada.

Regulatory Reminder on the Use of: Reactive Targets, (Type S.2) High Hazard Special Purpose Explosives

Binary kits/exploding targets are used and enjoyed by many in safe shooting environments. Binary kits include separate ingredients (e.g. ammonium nitrate and aluminum powder), that when mixed together become reactive targets that will react when hit by a projectile of sufficient velocity.

If not properly handled and used according to instructions and Regulations, there’s potential for injuries to users or harm to property. If not properly stored, they could end up in the wrong hands. Binary kits sold for use as reactive targets can lawfully be used for that purpose only.

In Canada, binary kits are subject to federal laws. Under the Explosives Regulations, 2013 (ER 2013), purchasers of binary kits can only be users that are holders of a fireworks operator certificate – pyrotechnician or a licence (Possession Access Licence (PAL)) issued under the Firearms Act. Under ER 2013, additional requirements are included, for example:

Unlicensed retail sales – unlicensed sales of high hazard special purpose explosives (type S.2) are not permitted. Binary kits (including exploding targets) are classified as high hazard special purpose explosives. Sales can only occur if the seller has a magazine licence.

Licenced Retail Sales – the sale of any quantity of high hazard special purpose explosives must be from a sales establishment and requires a magazine licence. A retailer can only sell to user (section 260).

Display – high hazard special purpose explosives must not be displayed for sale (section 258).

Unlicensed Users – may store no more than 20 kg of high hazard special purpose explosives (type S.2) including binary kits in a storage unit.

Licenced Users – if storing more than 20Kg of high hazard special purpose explosives, a user requires a magazine licence. Binary kits ingredients must be mixed at the place of use (section 138(2)) and once mixed they cannot be transported or stored.

It is the responsibility of all sellers and users of these special purpose explosives to ensure compliance with the Explosives Act and Regulations and to keep these potentially dangerous materials from misuse.

We ask for your continued support and request that you remain aware of and report any suspicious activity or behavior to the Explosives Safety and Security Branch at 613-948-5200.

Date Modified:    2018-01-10