Two individuals have been arrested and a loaded shotgun with an altered serial number was seized following a series of thefts in Hinton, Alberta, according to RCMP. The incident occurred on May 13, 2026, and highlights the dangers officers face during routine investigations.
Details of the Thefts
Early Wednesday morning, Hinton RCMP received a report of a theft from a delivery truck at the Ace Liquor store in Parks West Mall. Police stated that a man entered the unlocked cab of the truck and stole the driver's lunch, cell phone, and medications.
Later that evening, a second theft was reported at a Walmart involving a male and female suspect. Surveillance footage allowed police to connect both thefts to the same vehicle.
Arrests and Seizure
Around 11 p.m., officers located the vehicle parked at a hotel. As they moved in to make arrests, the man and woman fled on foot but were apprehended without injury. A search of a discarded duffel bag revealed a loaded 12-gauge shotgun with an altered serial number.
“The seizure of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number demonstrates the serious risks officers can encounter during what initially appear to be routine theft investigations,” said Hinton RCMP Staff Sgt. Mark Hall.
Charges Filed
Jada Lynn Thwaites, 25, and Tyler James Hodgson, 28, both of Grande Prairie, are charged with possession of break-in instruments, theft under $5,000, and resisting arrest. Thwaites was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Hinton court on June 3.
Hodgson also faces outstanding warrants from Prince Edward Island and additional charges: possession of a firearm while prohibited, possession of a firearm knowing the serial number was altered, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless use/storage of a firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. He is scheduled to appear in Edson court on Tuesday.
Hinton is located approximately 287 kilometers west of Edmonton.
