Alberta crime suspect in custody, but identity is a mystery

RCMP in northern Alberta are asking for the public’s help in an unusual case: they have arrested and charged a man whose identity remains a mystery.

Police arrested the man on Aug. 4 near Beaverlodge, Alta. but have been unable to confirm his identity. The John Doe was charged with the following offences, all of which happened in the northwestern Alberta community between the dates of Aug. 2 and Aug. 4.

• Break and enter to a residence
• Disguise with intent
• Mischief under $5,000
• Two counts of possession of property obtain by crime
• Two counts of resisting arrest two counts of obstructing a police officer
• Trespassing at night

RCMP pointed out that Canadian law allows for a person to be charged — even when the accused’s name is in question — so long as identity is proven at trial beyond a reasonable doubt by other means such as fingerprints, DNA, eye witnesses, etc.

The suspect was also charged with five counts of arson (disregard for human life) after a Grande Prairie home was set on fire in the middle of the night with a family inside.

On July 24, fire crews and police responded at 2:30 a.m. to a home near 96 Street and Hillcrest Drive.

The back part of a home suffered a significant amount of fire damage, officials said. Fortunately, the family inside the home was able to get out safely and no one was hurt. Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set.

The suspect is described as Caucasian, in his early 20s, has short brown hair, brown eyes, a slim build, has two scars on his right forearm. Police believe he may have ties to the Edmonton and Calgary areas.

The man remains in police custody and is set to make his first court appearance on Sept. 7.

Anyone who knows who the suspect is or has any information about the alleged crimes is asked to call Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously.