A man from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, is facing a series of serious charges following an incident where he allegedly fled from police during an early morning patrol, leading to the seizure of firearms.
Early Morning Incident Leads to Arrest
The events unfolded in the early hours of January 11, 2026. According to the Alberta RCMP, officers were conducting routine patrols on McDermot Avenue at approximately 2:48 a.m. when they observed an off-highway vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.
Before the police could activate their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle chose to flee the area. Undeterred, the RCMP members continued their patrol of the community. Their persistence paid off, as they managed to locate both the vehicle and its driver a short time later.
Firearms Discovered During Arrest
Upon locating and arresting the driver, police made concerning discoveries. The individual was found to be in possession of a replica firearm. Furthermore, during the arrest, officers located an additional, real firearm in close proximity to the suspect.
The RCMP has identified the accused as Steven Whitehead, 40, of Fort Chipewyan. He now faces a total of six criminal charges as a result of the incident.
Multiple Charges Laid
The charges against Whitehead are substantial and reflect the seriousness of the alleged actions. The full list of charges includes:
- Flight from a peace officer
- Operating a motor vehicle while prohibited
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order
- Mischief under $5,000
- Failing to comply with a condition of a release order
Following his arrest, Whitehead was held in custody for a judicial interim release hearing. He remains detained and is scheduled for his next court appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Chipewyan on January 19, 2026.
The RCMP is taking this opportunity to remind the public of the importance of reporting suspicious or criminal activity. Witnesses to any crime in progress are urged to call 911 immediately. For those wishing to provide information anonymously, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or via the P3 Tips mobile application.
