On. Jan. 22, 2026, Whitecourt RCMP received a complaint of shots being fired. Investigation revealed that shots were fired at the ground from a handgun. No suspects were identified at the time. On Jan. 29, 2026, Whitecourt RCMP, assisted by Whitecourt RCMP Traffic Section, located and stopped a suspect vehicle related to the above complaint and a loaded firearm was found within, as well as unstamped tobacco. Two suspects were arrested.

Whitecourt RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) obtained and executed search warrants for a residence and the vehicle on Jan. 30, 2026. As a result, evidence of firearm trafficking was located and 5 firearms were seized, 4 of which were restricted.

As a result of the investigation, Kyle Kenneth Thebeau (40) and Nuno Michael Lourenco (47), both residents of Whitecourt, were charged with:

• Careless use of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose;

• Possession of a firearm in a vehicle; and

• Possession of a restricted firearm;

• Trafficking a firearm; and

• Failing to report a firearm as lost or stolen.

Additionally, Lourence was charged with possession of a controlled substance and Thebeau was charged with contravention of the firearms act.

Thebeau and Lourenco were brought before a justice of the peace. Thebeau was remanded into custody while Lourenco was released. They are both to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt, with Thebeau appearing on Feb. 10, 2026 and Lourenco on Feb. 24, 2026.