Cold Lake RCMP executes search warrant, arrested three after seizing stolen vehicles, firearms

The Cold Lake RCMP successfully executed a search warrant on a residence at Cold Lake First Nations on September 1, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of several stolen vehicles and firearms.  

The operation began when the Cold Lake RCMP received information about a stolen vehicle’s location. Officers attended the residence and discovered the reported vehicle, along with two additional stolen vehicles. One of the vehicles was found to contain a loaded shotgun, several magazines, and ammunition.  

Upon further investigation, RCMP officers determined that suspects were inside the residence. Containment was established in the area with support from Cold Lake Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT entered the residence and arrested the suspects without incident.  

Inside the home, officers observed multiple firearms in plain sight, prompting the residence to be held for a search warrant. A subsequent search led to the recovery of numerous firearms, both prohibited and non-restricted, as well as ammunition and firearm magazines.  

Three individuals were charged in connection with the incident.  

Klody Cardinal, 19, has been charged with resisting and obstructing a peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 on three counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm on two counts, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, and failure to comply with release order conditions on two counts.  

Matthew Francois, 31, faces charges including resisting and obstructing a peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 on three counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm on two counts, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and weapons possession contrary to an order. 

Shayleen Moyah, 25, has been charged with resisting and obstructing a peace officer, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 on three counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm on two counts, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, and weapons possession contrary to an order on three counts.  

All three individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and have been remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Cold Lake on September 11.