Wood Buffalo RCMP charge five suspects in relation to copper wire theft

October 6, 2026 - Fort McMurray, Alberta
From: Alberta RCMP

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Fort McMurray, Alta – On Oct. 1, 2026, at approximately 4:34 a.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to a report of a copper wire theft in progress at the Syncrude ‘Giants of Mining’ Exhibit located on Highway 63, North of Fort McMurray. While police were responding, the suspects departed southbound on Highway 63 in a black GMC truck. 

At approximately 5:10 a.m., the suspect vehicle was located by RCMP where a traffic stop was attempted. The suspect vehicle did not stop for Police and fled. Due to public safety concerns, a pursuit was not initiated.

Shortly thereafter, the suspect vehicle was located again by additional RCMP members on Highway 63, just south of Fort McMurray. Another traffic stop was initiated and this time, the suspect vehicle stopped.  

Five occupants were located in the vehicle and placed under arrest without incident.

During a search of the occupants and vehicle incidental to arrest, Police located and seized approximately $15,000 in stolen copper wire, amounts of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, a conducted energy weapon (commonly known as a TASER) and bear spray.  

A vehicle examination was also completed and was determined to be stolen with the VIN having been altered. 

A 42-year-old male resident of Calgary, is facing charges:

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;
• Possession of a controlled substance; and
• Possession of a weapon contrary to order.

The individual was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing. They have since been released from custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Oct. 14, 2026.

A 25-year-old resident of Rocky View County, is facing charges:

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Flight from peace officer;
• Fraudulent concealment;
• Tampering with vehicle identification number;
• Operate motor vehicle without valid registration; and
• Operate motor vehicle without valid insurance.

The individual was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. They are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.

A 46-year-old resident of Rocky View County, is facing charges:

• Possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon; and
• Possession of a controlled substance.

The arrested was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing. They have since been released from custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Oct. 15, 2026.

A 35-year-old resident of Calgary, is facing charges:

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime;
• Two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Two counts of unauthorized possession of a weapon;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Possession of break in instrument; and
• Fail to comply with condition of release order.

They were held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and was remanded into custody. They are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.

A 45-year-old resident of Calgary, is facing charges:

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime;
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;
• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;
• Possession of a controlled substance; and
• Two counts of failure to comply with probation order.

The individual was held for a Judicial Interim release hearing and remains in custody. They are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 19, 2026.

Wood Buffalo RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. If you see suspicious activity, report it to police as soon as possible. Details like a licence plate, vehicle description or direction of travel can be valuable. 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 9-1-1.

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