Wood Buffalo RCMP traffic stop leads to firearms investigation

May 13, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta – On May 11, 2026, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP Municipal Traffic Services conducted a traffic stop with a speeding vehicle on Highway 63, south of the Confederation Drive off ramp.  

During the course of the traffic stop, RCMP observed what appeared to be a firearm in the glove box of the involved vehicle. Three occupants were located inside, and all were arrested and removed from the vehicle without incident. 

The firearm was seized from the vehicle by police and upon further inspection it was deemed to be a pellet gun. 

Two 17-year-old youths of Fort McMurray are charged with:

• Careless use of a firearm;
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• Carrying a concealed weapon;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Possession of a firearm knowing it’s possession is unauthorized; and 
• Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle.

Both youths were held in police custody for a Judicial Interim Release and have since been released.  They are set to appear next in Youth Criminal Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on June 2, 2026. 

Imitation handguns at times may not be visibly distinguishable from real firearms. Wood Buffalo RCMP is reminding the community of the serious public safety risk and the potential legal consequences associated with replica and imitation firearms. All firearms calls are treated as top public safety priority by police, and when responding, police must assume the weapon is real. Public awareness and education are key to preventing criminal charges and potential tragic outcomes. 

RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. 

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