On Jan. 11, 2026, at approximately 2:48 a.m., Fort Chipewyan RCMP was conducting patrols on McDermot Avenue when they noted an off-highway vehicle driving at a high rate of speed.
Before police were able to activate their emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop, the off-highway vehicle fled from the area.
Police patrolled the community and a short time after, the off-highway vehicle and the driver were located.
At the time of arrest, police located a firearm within close proximity of the driver and a replica firearm was found on the driver.
Steven Whitehead, a 40-year-old male, is facing the following charges:
- Flight from police
- Operate while prohibited
- Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a firearm contrary to order
- Mischief under $5000
- Fail to comply with condition of release
Whitehead was held for a Judicial Interim Hearing and remains in custody. He is set to appear next in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Chipewyan court on Jan. 19, 2026.
RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, 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.
Cpl. Natasha Lytwenko
Public Information Officer
Wood Buffalo RCMP-GRC
Discover more from The Pro News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
