Three men face numerous Criminal Code charges after RCMP conducted two search warrants in Red Deer between April 6th and April 13th.
The search warrants were the result of an investigation into a report of forcible confinement, and involved collaboration between Red Deer RCMP, Sylvan Lake RCMP and the Alberta Emergency Response Team, with support from the Alberta RCMP Explosive Device Unit.
The forcible confinement is alleged to have taken place in mid-April in Red Deer when a man was held against his will at a residence by several men who were known to him.
The investigation evolved to include a search for numerous firearms that had been stolen in a series of break and enters and other property crimes in the area.
The investigation also resulted in further charges being laid with relation to several break and enter files in Sylvan Lake and Red Deer earlier in April.
Recovered property included credit and debit cards, cheques and other personal documents from crimes committed in Boyle, Blackfalds and area, Sylvan Lake, Red Deer, Red Deer County and Bonnyville, and included property linked to thefts from numerous businesses in Red Deer and surrounding area.
Red Deer RCMP seized 14 firearms, explosives, thousands of rounds of ammunition and numerous credit and debit cards during a search warrant at a residence in the Normandeau neighbourhood on April 6th.
Red Deer RCMP then seized two more firearms and a replica firearm during the search warrant at a Highland Green residence on April 13th, as well as ammunition and small amounts of what is believed to be fentanyl and several other Schedule I and Schedule II drugs.
“It’s quite common for an investigation such as this to lead to other investigations, as violence, theft, firearms offences and identity theft are often linked,” said Sgt. Eric McKenzie of the Red Deer RCMP. “Our continuous sharing of intelligence with our policing partners is such an important part of these successes, as we see more and more criminal activity across various jurisdictions.”
Robert James Martin faces, 34, has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, careless use of a firearm, two counts of break and enter to a non-dwelling place, possession of break-in instruments, 12 counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and illegal possession or trafficking in government documents.
Martin faces additional charges related to a break-in to a trailer in Sylvan Lake on March 22nd in which three firearms and some fishing gear were stolen.
Mitchell Huber, 22, has been charged with assault, forcible confinement, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of firearm, possession of firearm with tampered serial number, knowing possession of unauthorized firearm, careless storage of firearm and four counts of failing to comply with probation.
Paul Andrew Woods, 36, has been charged with assault and forcible confinement.
RCMP continue to investigate, and further charges may be laid as the investigations proceed.
Anyone with information about any of these investigations is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or report it online at www.tipsubmit.com.
– Fawcett
