Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has arrested a Fort McMurray man on firearm offences.
ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime team became aware of a firearm registered to the Fort McMurray man that was allegedly used in a kidnapping in British Columbia in April 2023.
The crime team does not believe the man was directly involved in the kidnapping but began investigating him for suspected firearm offences.
“This appears to be the case of a firearm finding its way into the criminal market, and any firearms investigation needs to be looked at thoroughly,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wait of ALERT Fort McMurray.
“If we see that one firearm has made its way into the community, it begs the question of how many more, what other crimes could they be used in, and that is something we take very seriously.”
39-year-old Jesse Matieschyn was investigated, leading to a search warrant at his Eagle Ridge apartment.
ALERT seized three handguns, a bolt action rifle, a semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun, and 1,200 rounds of ammunition.
Police also seized an expired Possession and Acquisition License, various gun cases, and magazines.
Four firearms registered to Matieschyn remain unaccounted for.
Matieschyn faces five counts of failing to report a lost or stolen restricted firearm.
He has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on October 11, 2023.
Residents who suspect drug or gang activity are encouraged to call the Wood Buffalo RCMP at 780-788-4040 or can give tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).