The Wood Buffalo RCMP is investigating after firearm thefts in Fort Chipewyan occurred on May 31, 2016, and police need help from the public about the crime and those responsible. A theft complaint was made to the RCMP on May 31, and officers responded to Henry Drive where they determined that there were 2 firearms taken from a parked vehicle that was in the driveway of the residence. According to the complainant the firearm thefts happened between 9 pm the previous night at 9 am that morning. According to Wood Buffalo RCMP Cpl. George Cameron there are no charges pending against anyone at this time. The police do not have many leads to go on and they need people to come forward with any information that they may have so that the crime can be solved.

According to Cpl. Cameron “There were pieces of the firearms left on the property. We’re hoping someone will feel comfortable enough to come forward with any information.” Since the Fort Chipewyan firearm thefts indicate that the weapons were modified and it is unknown who has these weapons this is a big concern. Wood Buffalo has seen a number of shootings in the last few years and the firearms taken could contribute to this trend if they are not recovered quickly. It is believed that a Mossberg .410 shotgun and a Coory older model .22 calibre single shot rifle were taken, and that a tool which was either a saw or something similar was used by the thief to remove the rifle’s barrel. Both of the weapons also had the stock removed. Anyone who knows anything can contact tipsubmit.com online, Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, or the Fort Chipewyan RCMP by calling 780-679-3931.