Man related to Tumbler Ridge shooter arrested in Sylvan Lake

Feb 23, 2026 | 3:38 PM

A 22-year-old man who police say is related to the Tumbler Ridge shooter was recently arrested in Sylvan Lake, west of Red Deer, on a warrant for attempted murder.

Alberta RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said Jacob Van Rootselaar had warrants out for his arrest from an attempted murder file that happened in October 2024 in Fort McMurray.

Savinkoff said Van Rootselaar, who has been living in Alberta for some time, had been arrested a number of times for these charges and ultimately was released.

However, the RCMP’s Central Alberta Crime Reduction Team was tasked with locating him and on Feb. 19 was located outside a residence in Sylvan Lake.

As a result, he was apprehended without incident.

Savinkoff explained that Van Rootselaar had charges related to the outstanding warrant as well as other charges.

Furthermore, he was additionally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous person, and five counts of failure to comply with release conditions.

He was remanded into custody and was set to appear in Red Deer Court of Justice on Feb. 23, 2026, for his newest charges. His matter is due back at Red Deer Court of Justice on March 2 for Crown election.

According to Alberta Justice, his next court date at the Fort McMurray Court of King’s Bench is on March 3 for his charges of attempted murder and break and enter in a dwelling house.

Police could not confirm the relationship between Jacob and Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old shooter who killed nine people, including herself and injured approximately 25 during a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 10.

by Ian Gustafson