Man charged in auto theft incident
In coordination with the RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Calgary police have arrested a man who is believed to be responsible for committing nighttime residential break and enters in surrounding communities outside of Calgary.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at approximately 11:10 p.m., members of the Calgary Police Service Auto Theft Team observed the suspect to be operating a stolen vehicle in the downtown core. The suspect later attempted to enter a closed parkade located at Fifth Avenue and Third Street S.W., and exited the vehicle, fleeing on foot.
With the help of the Calgary Police Service Canine Unit, HAWCS and District 1 members, the suspect was apprehended.
It is believed the man regularly travelled between Calgary and Edmonton while committing several break and enter offences in nearby communities.
As a result, Matthew Lee GROUETTE, 39, has been charged with:
- One count of possession of stolen property over $5,000
- One count of possession of break and enter tools
- One count of resisting arrest
- One count of operating a motor vehicle without insurance
- Two counts of breaching a release order
GROUETTE is scheduled to next appear in court on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
“The theft of a vehicle is more than a property crime. In many cases, stolen vehicles are used to facilitate other offences that impact businesses, homeowners and neighbourhoods, creating further risks in our communities. With the help of our partners at the RCMP, proactive patrols and great investigative work, we were able to prevent further victimization to the greater Alberta community.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident 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
CA26451134/5092