Wood Buffalo RCMP respond to multiple Break and enters over the weekend

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

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Fort McMurray, Alta – Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to three separate break and enters on July 12, 2026, at various times throughout the day where, in each instance, suspects were located and arrested. 

The first, occurred at approximately 12:56 a.m. RCMP responded to a report of a glass break at a business located on Athabasca Avenue in the neighbourhood of Abasand. RCMP responded and contained the area with the assistance from Police Dog Services. While police were on scene, the suspect returned driving a vehicle that was taken without the consent of the owner. The suspect was observed to be impaired at the time and was arrested without incident. 

The suspect, a 16-year-old resident of Fort McMurray, who cannot be named under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is facing charges: 

• Break and enter;
• Take motor vehicle without consent;
• Operation while impaired; and
• Impaired over 80 mg.

The youth was held for a Judicial Interim Hearing and has since been released from custody, they are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Aug. 4, 2026. 

The second, occurred at approximately 5:04 a.m. Reports were received by security at the Peter Pond Mall, indicating there were three individuals inside the mall, they had since separated and two could be seen on video footage. Upon police arrival, two of the suspects were observed walking away from the mall. When confronted by police, they attempted to run away, however were quickly apprehended and placed under arrest without further incident. The suspects were searched incidental to arrest, where property from one of the businesses was located on them.  

The suspects, both Fort McMurray male youths are facing charges:

• Break and enter x 2; and 
• Obstruct a peace officer.

The youths were released from police custody on an Undertaking and are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Aug. 18, 2026, and Sept. 1, 2026.

Wood Buffalo RCMP continue to investigate, and at this time the third suspect has yet to be identified. 

The third, occurred at approximately 7:50 p.m. when it was reported to Police that two people were observed entering the back entrance of a business located on the 9700 block of Main Street in the downtown area of Fort McMurray. Upon police arrival, two suspects were located inside the building and were arrested without incident. 

A 47-year-old resident of Fort McMurray and a 60-year old resident of Fort Chipewyan, who cannot be named until an Information is sworn, remain in police custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Hearing. 

"The successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers, particularly the members of our Downtown Beat Team, whose proactive engagement and focused enforcement efforts played a key role in these investigations.” says Inspector Troy Switzer, acting Officer in charge of Wood Buffalo RCMP. “Break and enters have a significant impact on victims and the community as a whole. These arrests demonstrate our continued commitment to addressing property crime and bringing those responsible before the courts, ensuring our residents and business owners feel safe in their community." 

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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