On Apr. 17, 2026, Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team (CRT) began an investigation into possession of property obtained by crime.

This multi-jurisdictional investigation was led by Red Deer RCMP CRT and was assisted by multiple detachments and specialized support units, including: Red Deer RCMP General Duty, Sylvan Lake RCMP General Duty, Sylvan Lake RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), Sundre RCMP, Rocky Mountain House RCMP GIS, Olds RCMP GIS, Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), Alberta RCMP Real Time Operation Center (RTOC), and Alberta RCMP Air Services.

On Apr. 22, 2026, the investigation led police to a residence in Caroline, Alta. The suspect driver of a vehicle began driving erratically after seeing uniformed officers; police attempted to stop the vehicle but were unable to do so safely at the time. The vehicle was later located in Benalto, Alta., and was confirmed to be stolen out of Calgary.  Two suspects were located and arrested at a Benalto residence.

Brittany MAYHEW, a 34-year-old resident of Caroline, Alta., is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 and fraudulent concealment.

Matthew VERHOEK, a 43-year-old resident of Caroline, has been charged with 22 charges including:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x7);

• Fraudulent concealment;

• Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition;

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;

• Possession of a device for purpose of committing theft;

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; and

• Fail to comply with a release order (x5).

Mayhew and Verhoek were both held for Judicial Interim Release (JIR) hearings. Mayhew was released with conditions to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on May 22, 2026. Verhoek was remanded into custody to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Apr. 24, 2026.

Mayhew has since failed to attend court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Further investigation by Red Deer RCMP CRT led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Caroline.

As a result, police seized a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and various items which are known to be used for conducting vehicle thefts.

On Apr. 23, 2026, Red Deer RCMP CRT continued their investigation after observing a vehicle, which was suspected to be stolen out of Red Deer, driving in the Pines area of Red Deer. Police arrested both the driver and the passenger of the vehicle.

A 38-year-old male resident of Rocky Mountain House was issued a violation ticket under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA) for Driving while unauthorized. 

39-year-old Ryan Schweitzer, a resident of Red Deer, was arrested and charged with nine offences including:

• Impaired operation of a motor vehicle;

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;

• Operate a motor vehicle while prohibited;

• Fail to comply with conditions; and

• Possession of a controlled substance (x2).

Schweitzer was held for a JIR and remanded into custody to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Apr. 27, 2026.

On Apr. 28, 2026, continued investigation led police to two properties in Sundre, Alberta.  Police located and recovered multiple vehicles which had been reported stolen out of several communities. Police found evidence of vehicle identification numbers being tampered.

As a result, Tristin Missler, a 26-year-old resident of Rocky Mountain House, was charged with the following:

·        Possession of a controlled substance;

·        Possession of property over $5,000;

·        Fraudulent concealment;

·        Possess unmarked cigarettes; and

·        Drive uninsured motor vehicle.

Missler was held for a JIR hearing and was released on conditions to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on May 25, 2026.

Braden Roberts, a 40-year-old resident of Mountain View County, has been charged with the following offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 (x3);

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;

• Fraudulent concealment (x3);

• Trafficking in property obtained by crime;

• Possession of ammunition contrary to an order; and

• Tampering with a vehicle identification number (x3).

Roberts was released on an Undertaking to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on June 8, 2026.

With the arrest of multiple offenders and the identification of various criminal offences, this investigation demonstrates how the Red Deer RCMP work closely with other police partners to target crime across multiple jurisdictions. By working together, we tackle crime together.

If you have any information regarding crime within Red Deer, please contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.