On May 13, 2026, Hinton RCMP responded to multiple theft-related incidents involving the same suspect vehicle, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a firearm with an altered serial number.

Earlier in the day, police received a report of a theft from a delivery truck at the Ace Liquor store located in the Parks West Mall. During the delivery, a male suspect allegedly entered the unlocked cab of the truck and stole the driver’s lunch, cell phone and medications before fleeing the area in a vehicle. Later that evening, Hinton RCMP received another report of shoplifting at Walmart involving a male and female suspect who fled in the same vehicle. Officers reviewed surveillance footage and connected the incidents to an ongoing series of theft-related investigations.

At approximately 11:00 p.m., officers located the suspect vehicle parked at a local hotel. Police established a coordinated plan to safely apprehend the suspects due to previous incidents involving the vehicle fleeing from police. As officers moved in, the male and female suspects fled on foot. Following a brief foot pursuit, both individuals were taken into custody without injury. Officers also recovered a discarded duffle bag containing a loaded 12-gauge shotgun with an altered serial number.

As a result of the investigation, Tyler James Hodgson (28) and Jada Lynn Thwaites (25), both residents of Grande Prairie, Alta., were charged with:

• Possession of break-in instruments;

• Theft under $5,000; and

• Resisting arrest.

Hodgson is additionally charged with:

• Possession of a firearm while prohibited;

• Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number had been altered, defaced or removed;

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;

• Careless use/storage of a firearm; and

• Carrying a concealed weapon.

Hodgson was also arrested on outstanding warrants from Prince Edward Island. Hodgson and Thwaites were brought before a Justice of the Peace, with Hodgson being remanded into custody and Thwaites being released on conditions. Hodgson will appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Edson on May 19, 2026, and Thwaites will appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Hinton on June 3, 2026.

“Hinton RCMP would like to thank the officers involved for their coordinated response and commitment to public safety,” said Staff Sergeant Mark Hall, Detachment Commander of the Hinton RCMP. “The seizure of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number demonstrates the serious risks officers can encounter during what initially appear to be routine theft investigations.”

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity in the Hinton area is encouraged to contact Hinton RCMP at 780-865-2455. Those wishing to remain anonymous can 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.