RCMP Officer, Summer 2025. File photo by Jon Tupper
FORT CHIPEWYAN — RCMP in Fort Chipewyan say four suspects were arrested after officers responded to a wellbeing check that turned into a firearms investigation.
Police say they were called around 9 a.m. on Nov. 10 after a report that four masked people were seen entering a home on Henry Street. The caller was worried about the homeowner’s safety.
Officers went to the residence, where they say they found several firearms outside the home. One suspect opened the door for police and all four people were arrested without incident. Investigators later determined the homeowner was not inside at the time.
Police say 23-year-old Memphis Kili Mackinaw of Maskwacis is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, identity fraud, obstruction, unsafe storage of a firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon contrary to order, and possession of property obtained by crime. He was remanded after a judicial interim hearing and is scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Chipewyan on Dec. 1.
Janomie Desmeules, a 24-year-old from North Battleford, is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, identity fraud, obstruction, unsafe storage of a firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon contrary to order, and possession of property obtained by crime. She was also remanded and is set to appear in the same court on Dec. 8.
Police say 25-year-old Thane Steinhauer of North Battleford is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon contrary to order, possession of property obtained by crime, and breach of probation. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1.
A fourth suspect, who cannot be identified until an information is sworn, is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, and possession of property obtained by crime. Police say the individual was released on an undertaking and is due in court on Feb. 5.
Cpl. Cam McKay, the Fort Chipewyan detachment commander, thanked residents for reporting suspicious activity and said community cooperation is key to public safety.
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