Man arrested in Merritt after reportedly possessing sawed-off, stolen shotgun

Sep 9, 2026 | 5:56 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — A man was arrested in Merritt after reportedly carrying a sawed-off shotgun and suspected illicit drugs.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Sept. 8), Merritt RCMP say Aaron England was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a loaded firearm without a license.

Early Friday (Sept. 4) morning, Merritt RCMP say officers saw a man riding a bicycle without a helmet near Nicola Avenue and Margaret Street. Police say England is a known high-risk offender, and officers searched him for safety reasons.

RCMP say England was held in custody at the Merritt detachment pending a court appearance. He was then released on conditions, including obeying a curfew and not possessing weapons or illicit drugs.

“This case highlights the ongoing challenges police officers face when dealing with repeat and high-risk offenders,” S/Sgt. Joshua Roda states. “While our officers remain committed to protecting the community, incidents like this demonstrate the reality that individuals charged with serious offences are often release back into the community on court-imposed conditions.”

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Additionally, RCMP say investigators confirmed the shotgun was one of the stolen firearms from a break-in at the Merritt Canadian Tire in June 2026.

Anyone with further information regarding the whereabouts of any of the remaining stolen firearms is asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or B.C. Crimestoppers.

by Aaron Schulze

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Man arrested in Merritt after reportedly possessing sawed-off, stolen shotgun

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