Calgary police charge man after rifle seized at hotel

Calgary police have charged a 35-year-old man with nine firearms-related offences after officers seized a loaded, high-velocity rifle, ammunition, magazines and a suppressor from a hotel room, the City of Calgary Newsroom said in a release published Sept. 21, 2026.

Matthew Randel Lynden Smith faces nine counts of possession of firearms-related offences, including unsafe storage and possession when prohibited, one count of possession of stolen property over $5,000 and five counts of failing to comply with conditions, according to the release.

What officers found

Officers conducted a traffic stop on an occupied truck parked outside the Red Carpet Inn at 4635 16 Ave. N.W. at approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, the release said.

The release said the licence plate was not registered to the vehicle and the driver did not have a valid licence. Officers determined the vehicle was stolen and arrested the driver.

They subsequently searched his hotel room and recovered a loaded AR-15-style rifle with the serial number removed, along with several magazines, a suppressor, ammunition and cell phones, according to the release.

Next steps

Smith remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, the release said.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, the release said. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.calgarycrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips app.