Photo: RCMP recovered a stolen guitar belonging to a downtown business. Submitted

On Feb. 13, 2026, at 1:45 a.m. Red Deer RCMP responded to break and enter to a commercial business downtown.

RCMP members arrived within minutes, and upon arrival, police confirmed the business was broken into. The business had sustained broken glass to the front entrance and interior doors. Police did not locate any individuals inside the building.

Multiple items were confirmed to be stolen, including eight guitar foot pedals, and a guitar with unique markings.

Later the same day, police identified the stolen guitar and foot pedals for sale online, which led the police investigation to a search warrant of a vehicle, and a residence in neighbourhood of Riverside Meadows in Red Deer, Alta.

As a result of the search warrant, all stolen items from the break and enter were recovered.

John De Ryk (57), a resident of Red Deer, Alta., has been charged with the following: Possession of property obtained by crime and Trafficking property obtained by crime over $5,000.

A warrant for arrest has been issued by the court for De Ryk.

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.comor 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.