Charges laid and firearms seized in break and enter investigation
Five individuals have been charged in relation to numerous break and enters and auto thefts that have occurred in Calgary over the past two months. In total, we have recovered six stolen vehicles, seized three firearms, laid 63 criminal charges and executed 82 outstanding arrest warrants.
Earlier this month, we identified a series of break and enters in Calgary that were believed to be connected. In these incidents, offenders, who were armed with long guns, stole garage door openers from vehicles parked outside a victim’s residence and used it to gain access to the house. While inside, offenders stole wallets and various items, before also stealing the homeowner’s vehicle. In one incident, offenders pointed a firearm at a homeowner before fleeing the residence.
So far, investigators have confirmed at least five break and enters are connected to this series.
Investigators from our Auto Theft Team, Break and Enter Teams and District 4 General Investigations Unit worked together to quickly identify several potential suspects.
Two suspects arrested in stolen vehicle
On Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, police located and arrested two men who were operating a stolen BMW X1 in Huntington Hills. During the arrest, police located a loaded firearm on the front passenger seat of the stolen vehicle, and a small amount of drugs, ammunition and numerous garage door openers. As part of this arrest, investigators also searched a residence located in the 1800 block of 35 Street S.E., which resulted in the seizure of additional ammunition, a stolen bicycle and collapsible baton.
Jesse Kaelin STRONGEAGLE, 28, of Calgary, has been charged with 14 criminal offences, including theft, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon contrary to a court-ordered prohibition, possession of a controlled substance, intimidation of a justice system participant and multiple counts of failing to comply with a court order. STRONGEAGLE will next appear in court on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.
James Anthony CHARTRAND, 31, of Calgary, has been charged with 13 criminal offences, including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an altered firearm, possession of a weapon contrary to a court-ordered prohibition, and multiple counts of failing to comply with a court order. CHARTRAND was also charged with one outstanding warrant. CHARTRAND will next appear in court on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.
Three additional suspects arrested following northeast Calgary carjacking
Investigators continued to search for remaining suspects, and on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, a man and two women were arrested after a dynamic carjacking that occurred at a gas station in northeast Calgary, just after 6 a.m. During the arrest, the three suspects were found to be in possession of more than $20,000 worth of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and psilocybin. As part of this arrest, investigators also searched a residence located in the 200 block of Huntwell Road N.E., which resulted in the seizure of two additional firearms and several other long guns in various stages of disassembly.
Casey Alan COUSINS, 30, of Calgary, has been charged with 13 criminal offences, including robbery, possession of stolen property, breach of a release order, flight from police and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. COUSINS was also charged with five outstanding warrants. COUSINS will next appear in court on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.
Adrienne Elizabeth VISSER, 26, of Calgary, has been charged with 15 criminal offences, including robbery, failing to comply with a release order, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. VISSER was also charged with 76 outstanding warrants. VISSER will next appear in court on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.
Amanda Ray METRO, 36, of Bentley, Alta., has been charged with eight criminal offences, including robbery, breach of probation, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. METRO will next appear in court on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023.
This was an incredible team effort from officers across our Service to bring these prolific offenders into custody. Once we were able to identify potential suspects, we dedicated a significant amount of resources to locating them and preventing further victimization of Calgarians.
This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case # CA23408236