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Yellowknife — Hay River RCMP recover stolen property during investigation into thefts from vehicles

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Hay River RCMP have concluded an investigation into a series of thefts from vehicles. The Hay River received a number of complaints between November 15th and 20th related to thefts from vehicles. In the early morning hours of November 20th, 2023, Hay River RCMP located and arrested 19-year-old Carson Egotak of Hay River in relation to the thefts. A search warrant was authorized for a residence that was associated to Egotak.

During the execution of the warrant, officers recovered a rifle, shotgun and three realistic looking airsoft handguns that are believed to be stolen but have not been reported to police. A 30-year-old-man from Ontario, Markara Bun, was arrested inside the residence in relation to the firearms and was found to also be in possession of $3500 dollars in cash. During the search of the residence, a large bag of an unidentified white powder was seized as well as a number of scales and various ammunition. The powder will be sent for analysis but based on the weight and packaging of the powder, it is suspected to be a cutting agent used in the preparation of street level crack-cocaine.

The investigation into this matter remains on-going but both Bun and Egotak face the following charges:

  • Carson Egotak is charged with:
    • Theft;
    • Mischief to property and;
    • Trespass by night
  • Markara Bun is charged with:
    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime;
    • Unsafe storage of a firearm, and;
    • Two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

The best defence against vehicle thefts is to ensure that vehicles are secured overnight. The RCMP recommend adopting a 9PM routine to secure vehicle and properties. More information on the 9PM routine can be found here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/news/2022/yellowknife-rcmp-encourage-residents-adopt-a-9pm-routine

Anyone who has information about these incidents or recognizes the recovered firearms is asked to contact the Hay River RCMP at 874-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.nwtnu.crimestoppersweb.com. In the event of an emergency call, 911.