***PRESS RELEASE FROM LLOYDMINSTER DETACHMENT***
LLoydminster, Alberta – On April 16, 2015, just after 4:00 pm, Lloydminster RCMP received a report that a 25 year old woman was being held against her will inside of a downtown Lloydminster hotel. RCMP responded and located the specific hotel room and forced entry. Inside the room three men and two women, in addition to the female victim, were located. RCMP took all parties into custody without incident. A second victim was later located at a different location. He had been assaulted but was able to escape before he was taken from the residence. It was learned that both victims were inside the same residence when the incident first started. The individuals were demanding money and other valuables from both victims. It was at this point that the man was able to escape. A short time later, the woman was taken from a residence allegedly against her will to the hotel where she was assaulted and ultimately rescued by police. The injuries sustained by both victims are non life threatening.
Christopher Hermkens, 24, from Edmonton, Gordon Howard, 24, from Lloydminster, Traci Love, 41, from Lloydminster, Herbert McCullough, 26, of Lone Rock, and Jussara Junk, 22, from Edmonton are all facing a minimum of 16 charges. These charges include; Robbery, Extortion, Kidnapping, Utter Threats, and Assault.
Hermkens is facing an additional charges of Assault, and two breach charges. Howard is facing additional charges of Breach of a Probation Order and Breach of a Recognizance.  Junk is facing an additional charge of Breach Recognizance. McCullough is facing additional charges of drive while disqualified and Breach of a Probation order.
All individuals charged appeared before a justice of the peace and adjourned their hearings and will remain in custody until Monday April 18, 2015, when they will appear in Saskatchewan Provincial Court.
“The suspects and victims are known to each other and it is believed that this is an isolated incident,” said Constable Kirzinger. “The Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section are continuing their investigation.”
