On June 4, 2025, Whitecourt RCMP received a complaint involving an erratic driver in the town of Whitecourt. Whitecourt RCMP, with assistance from Alberta RCMP Traffic - Whitecourt Unit and Whitecourt RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), located the suspect vehicle and conducted the arrest of the two individuals within. A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed a loaded firearm.
Two individuals were charged with Criminal Code offences, Traffic Safety Act Offences, and Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act offences, namely the following:
- Joshua Carter (32), a resident of Whitecourt, was charged with several Traffic Safety Act and Alberta Gaming and Liquor Act offences, as well as the following Criminal Code and Excise act charges:
- Failure to comply with court orders (x3);
- Failure to comply with Peace Bond;
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- Other firearm-related offences (x5); and
- Possession of unstamped tobacco.
- Taylor Clarke (33), a resident of Fox Creek, Alta., was charged with:
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- Careless use of a firearm;
- Possession of a firearm inside a motor vehicle;
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
- Possession of unstamped tobacco.
Carter and Clarke were brought before a justice of the peace. Carter was remanded into custody while Clarke was released on conditions. Both Carter and Clarke are set to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Whitecourt on June 24, 2025.
“I would like to thank the public for taking the time to call the Whitecourt RCMP regarding this incident” said S/Sgt. Matthew Clarke, Detachment Commander of the Whitecourt RCMP. “You, as members of the community, are most often the first to notice anything suspicious or any criminal activity. We would like to keep encouraging this behaviour as it allows us to better protect the community as a whole”.
Information provided by Whitecourt RCMP