06/04/2026
Investigation results in multiple arrests in region
The RCMP issued a media release on June 3, 2026.
Red Deer RCMP have arrested several suspects and recovered multiple stolen vehicles following a sweeping investigation that spanned several central Alberta communities and involved a wide network of specialized police units. The Crime Reduction Team (CRT) launched the investigation on Apr. 17, 2026, after receiving information related to property obtained through crime. What began as a single file quickly expanded, drawing in officers from Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Sundre, Rocky Mountain House, Olds, Police Dog Services, the Real Time Operations Centre, and RCMP Air Services.
The first major development occurred on Apr. 22, when officers tracked a suspect vehicle to a residence in Caroline. After spotting police, the driver allegedly fled at high speed, forcing officers to abandon the pursuit for safety reasons. The vehicle was later found in Benalto and confirmed to have been stolen in Calgary. Two suspects were arrested at a nearby residence. Brittany Mayhew, 34, of Caroline, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and fraudulent concealment. Matthew Verhoek, 43, also of Caroline, was charged with 22 offences, including multiple counts of possessing stolen property, firearm related offences, dangerous driving, and breaching release conditions. Both were held for Judicial Interim Release hearings. Mayhew was released with conditions but has since failed to appear in court, prompting a warrant for her arrest, while Verhoek remains in custody.
As the investigation progressed, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Caroline, seizing a sawed off shotgun, ammunition, and equipment commonly used in vehicle thefts. The following day, Apr. 23, CRT members spotted a vehicle believed to be stolen from Red Deer driving through the Pines neighbourhood. Both occupants were arrested. A 38 year old man from Rocky Mountain House received a Traffic Safety Act ticket for driving while unauthorized. Ryan Schweitzer, 39, of Red Deer, was charged with nine offences, including impaired driving, dangerous operation, driving while prohibited, failing to comply with conditions, and possession of controlled substances. He remains in custody awaiting a court appearance.
The investigation expanded again on Apr. 28, when officers attended two properties in Sundre and recovered several stolen vehicles. Evidence suggested vehicle identification numbers had been tampered with. Tristin Missler, 26, of Rocky Mountain House, was charged with possession of stolen property, fraudulent concealment, possession of a controlled substance, possessing unmarked ci******es, and driving an uninsured vehicle. He was released with conditions. Braden Roberts, 40, of Mountain View County, was charged with trafficking stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, VIN tampering, possession of ammunition contrary to an order, and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He was released on an Undertaking.
RCMP say the investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement across multiple detachments, noting that the arrests and seizures were the result of close collaboration between numerous police partners. Officers continue to encourage the public to report suspicious activity. Anyone with information about crime in Red Deer can contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403 406 2200. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477, online at P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips mobile app.
