19-year-old charged after vandalism spree damages Edmonton downtown, $100,000 in losses

A 19-year-old man has been charged in connection with a series of vandalism incidents that caused approximately $100,000 in damage across central Edmonton in late August.

Chavez Adam Phillip Coyote was arrested on Aug. 26 after police used CCTV footage and other investigative efforts to identify him. Edmonton Police Service officers arrested him with help from Edmonton Transit peace officers. The incidents targeted multiple downtown locations between Aug. 19-25: the 100 Street Funicular, MacEwan LRT Station, Central LRT Station, and ATB Place. Police say Coyote was known to police prior to his arrest.

Coyote has been charged with seven counts of mischief over $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 3. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.

A City of Edmonton spokesperson said the funicular has seen an increase in vandalism-related costs and that the city is investigating alternative options to glass that may be more durable and help reduce future repair costs. Earlier this year, the city estimated vandalism-related repairs to the funicular cost between $40,000 and $70,000 each year.

The 100 Street Funicular opened in late 2017 and provides access between downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.