Auto Theft Team seizes multiple firearms as part of proactive policing efforts
In less than one week, our Auto Theft Team (ATT) seized four firearms related to stolen vehicles, in addition to other weapons, drugs and stolen property. Eight individuals are now facing a total of 115 charges, including multiple breach, firearms, weapons and drug-related charges.
As part of our Service’s proactive work to address auto thefts in Calgary, the ATT uses crime data to specifically target individuals believed to be connected to the thefts.
One firearm seized and two arrested after stolen vehicle flees from police
On Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, the ATT located a stolen vehicle that was travelling throughout northeast Calgary. A traffic stop was attempted, however the vehicle fled from patrol officers. The vehicle was driven to the Martindale area, where two occupants fled on foot. Due to the level of risk demonstrated by these individuals, multiple resources, including HAWCS, patrol and the Canine Unit, were utilized to mitigate risk and apprehend both individuals.
As part of this incident, officers seized a sawed-off double barrel shotgun, ammunition, a knife, collapsible baton, soft body armour, a baseball bat with spikes attached to the end of it, and a small amount of crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine. The stolen vehicle, a 1996 BMW 328IC, was recovered.
Matthew Walter Frank HRECZUCH, 39, of Calgary, is charged with 24 firearms, weapons, stolen property, drug and breach offences. He will next appear in court on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
Melissa Lynn LEWIS, 40, of Calgary, is charged with four breach, stolen property and drug offences. She will next appear in court on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.
One firearm seized and three arrested in relation to break and enter
On Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, the ATT located two stolen vehicles in a parking lot in the 200 block of 90 Avenue S.E., where three occupants exited the vehicles and entered a nearby residence. The residence was contained, and all three individuals were taken into custody with the assistance of patrol and Canine Unit officers. Upon their arrest, it was determined these individuals were also responsible for a break and enter that occurred earlier that morning at a self-storage facility located in the 500 block of Meridian Road N.E.
As part of this investigation, officers searched a residence located in the 100 block of Allandale Close S.E., where they seized a .22-calibre rifle, ammunition, stolen property and a small amount of crystal methamphetamine. The stolen vehicles, a 2014 Ford F150 and a 2016 Kia Sorento, were recovered.
Greg Julius YU, 34, of Calgary, is charged with 13 breach, break and enter, stolen property and traffic offences. He will next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
Carlo MENDOZA, 27, of Calgary, is charged with 15 breach, break and enter, stolen property and traffic offences. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.
Roberto CAGAANAN, 31, of Calgary, is charged with four break and enter, stolen property and drug offences. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025.
Two firearms and $22,000 worth of drugs seized from stolen vehicle
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, the ATT located a stolen vehicle in the southwest community of Canyon Meadows. Three occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot, at which time they were taken into custody with the assistance of Canine Unit officers.
As a result, officers seized a loaded .32-calibre revolver, a loaded .22-calibre semi-automatic handgun, and a $22,000 worth of drugs including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, MDMA and ketamine. The stolen vehicle, a 2014 Kia Rio, was recovered.
Kimberly MASON, 31, of Calgary, is charged with 21 breach, firearms, drug, stolen vehicle and traffic offences. She will next appear in court on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
Cody Perry RAVEN, 34, of Calgary, is charged with 21 breach, firearms, drug, stolen vehicle and traffic offences. He will next appear in court on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
Joed Leonard SMITH, 43, of Calgary, is charged with 13 firearms, stolen property, and drug offences. He will next appear in court on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
Photos of the seized items are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom. None of these incidents are believed to have been connected.
“The number of firearms our Auto Theft Team has seized so far this year is incredibly concerning,” says Staff Sergeant Kerry Smith of the CPS Offender Management Unit. “Offenders travelling in stolen vehicles already pose a significant risk to public safety, and the presence of these weapons only increases that risk. Through the use of data, we are continuing to target auto thefts proactively.”
In 2024, the ATT arrested 155 offenders, laid 949 Criminal Code charges, returned 181 stolen vehicles to their rightful owners and seized nine firearms and $139,000 worth of drugs.
About the Auto Theft Team
The Calgary Police Service Auto Theft Team (ATT) is a dedicated resource within our Offender Management Unit that specifically targets offenders believed to be involved in auto thefts in Calgary. Through this enforcement work, the ATT uses intelligence, previous crime data, and offender histories to prioritize auto theft offenders causing the most harm.
As an offender management tool, the ATT works closely with other Offender Management Unit resources, including the Prolific Offender Engagement Team (POET), to share information and monitor high-risk offenders with court-imposed conditions.
Case #CA25012942/CA25017556/CA25021842