CISC - Criminal Intelligence Service Canada

08/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/07/2024 16:41

Whitehorse RCMP make an arrest for dangerous driving, flight from police and multiple firearms related offences

On Monday July 29, 2024, members of the M Division RCMP Emergency Response Team, Whitehorse RCMP Detachment and General Investigative Section executed outstanding warrants for arrest for thirty-seven-year old Sidney Smarch of Whitehorse. Mr. Smarch was arrested without incident.

At the time of the arrest Mr. Smarch had outstanding charges for:

Two counts of flight from a police officer, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resist/obstruct police officer, possession of a loaded firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to an order and fail to comply with a release order.

When Mr. Smarch was arrested, police observed firearms and a substance believed to be cocaine inside a travel trailer he was using.

Mr. Smarch was subsequently charged with the following offences:

Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm, storage of a restricted firearm contrary to regulations, possession of a restricted firearm knowing it was unauthorized, possession of a non-restricted firearm knowing it was unauthorized, possession of a restricted firearm contrary to an order and fail to comply with conditions of release order. Mr. Smarch was held in custody for a court appearance on August 6, 2024.

Officers secured the travel trailer registered to Mr. Smarch and another vehicle that was on scene. Police obtained search warrants and on August 1, 2024, the search warrants were executed. Police located five firearms in the travel trailer belonging to Mr. Smarch: two rifles, two handguns, one which was loaded, and a modified shotgun.

Investigation is ongoing into the origin and ownership of these firearms, however, they are believed to be stolen.

Mr. Smarch appeared in court on August 6, 2024 and was released on court order with conditions. His next court date is August 8th, 2024; he currently has 31 criminal code charges before the courts.

Police continue to investigate this matter and crimes committed in our communities. Police encourage anyone with information about a crime to contact the RCMP. Whitehorse RCMP can be contacted at 867-667-5555. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).