Update, May 3, 2023:
On May 2, 2023, Whitehorse RCMP GIS and other supporting units arrested Cole Sinclair, age 23 of Whitehorse, related to this file. He had his first court appearance on May 3 and is charged with the following offences:
- Two counts, break and enter into a dwelling unit with intent to commit an indictable offence therein, Section 348(1) Criminal Code;
- Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence, Section 85(1)(a) Criminal Code;
- Carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, Section 88 Criminal Code;
- Failure to store firearm in a locked container, receptacle, or room, Section 86(2) Criminal Code.
He was released by the courts on conditions. He will next appear in court on June 14, 2023.
As noted previously, the RCMP appreciates the cooperation and support from the public as we worked towards a positive resolution to this matter. As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be shared.
Original:
One person has been arrested and three search warrants were executed related to a break and enter with firearm in Whistle Bend from April 12, 2023. The person arrested remains in custody related to this investigation.
At approximately 2:30 pm on April 12, police received a call of a break and enter in progress in the Whistle Bend neighbourhood of Whitehorse. The caller reported that they could observe on home surveillance cameras a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm and attempting to enter a home. Police immediately responded and established that the person left the home while en route to the neighbourhood.
The Whitehorse RCMP General Investigative Section (GIS) was tasked with leading this investigation, after the initial call involved a response from GIS officers along with Whitehorse RCMP General Duty, Yukon RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Yukon RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS). The resulting investigation occupied hundreds of hours as police officers examined the scene, canvassed the neighbourhood for surveillance, spoke with witnesses, and followed up on a variety of leads to collect information.
Further information will be released after charges are filed and a court date is set for the accused.