Man charged with nine firearms offences after traffic stop in northwest Calgary
Matthew Randel Lynden Smith, 35, was arrested Friday after police found a loaded AR-15-style rifle with a removed serial number in a hotel room.
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A 35-year-old Calgary man has been charged with nine firearms-related offences following a traffic stop Friday night in northwest Calgary.
Police stopped a truck parked outside the Red Carpet Inn at 4635 16 Ave. N.W. around 11 p.m. September 18 because the licence plate was not registered to the vehicle. The driver did not have a valid licence and the vehicle was determined to be stolen. Matthew Randel Lynden Smith was arrested at the scene.
When police searched the hotel room, they recovered a loaded AR-15-style rifle with its serial number removed, several magazines, a suppressor, ammunition, and multiple cell phones.
Smith is charged with nine possession of firearms offences, unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited, one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and five counts of failing to comply with conditions. He remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026.
Anyone with information can contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or use the Crime Stoppers app (P3 Tips). Case number CA26428744/5931.
The facts
Who was charged and what was found in the hotel room?
Matthew Randel Lynden Smith, 35, was arrested after police found a loaded AR-15-style rifle with a removed serial number, several magazines, a suppressor, ammunition, and multiple cell phones in a hotel room at the Red Carpet Inn in northwest Calgary.
When and why was Smith arrested?
Smith was arrested on Friday, September 18, 2026, around 11 p.m. after a traffic stop outside the Red Carpet Inn when police discovered the vehicle he was driving was stolen and his licence was not valid.
How many firearms offences was Smith charged with?
Smith was charged with nine possession of firearms offences, plus unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm while prohibited, one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000, and five counts of failing to comply with conditions.
