New public appeal over latest Yellowknife gun theft

Police say they need to speak to anyone who was on the road or trails near Haener Drive on Tuesday night.

In a public appeal on Friday, RCMP said it doesn’t matter whether you think you saw anything suspicious or not – if you were in the area between 6pm on Tuesday and 2am on Wednesday, get in touch with the Yellowknife detachment.

The appeal comes after a break-in at a detached garage on the street that evening, in which a large gun safe containing a range of firearms was stolen.

“Statements from those in the area on Tuesday evening could provide extremely valuable information, aiding RCMP in locating the person(s) responsible for this crime, and helping to recover the stolen property,” said Cst Heather Cosenzo.

Police told homeowners in the area to “check their property for items that may not belong to them” and, if anything is found, leave it in place and call RCMP.

This is the second time in October police have resorted to a public appeal over a gun theft. The first came after RCMP said thieves ransacked a house on Rivett Crescent, taking guns among other items.

An arrest warrant for 31-year-old Beau Desire-Tesar was issued last week. Earlier this week, RCMP said they were still working to locate him but had made another arrest over the same incident.

“As a result of the investigation, RCMP believe that this occurrence was not a random act, but rather a targeted incident,” read a police news release on Monday.

“The suspects gained access to the residence legally, prior to committing the thefts. Currently one additional individual has been arrested in relation to this event and charges are pending.”