By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

allegedly carrying a shotgun downtown

Red Deer man linked to deadly 2010 crash, arrested again with drugs and weapons

Jun 9, 2023 | 2:14 PM

A man linked to a resolved but high-profile criminal case in Red Deer was arrested again last month.

Red Deer RCMP say it was May 19, 2023 when the Downtown Patrol Unit was conducting patrols on 45 Street where they witnessed a male riding an electric bicycle.

RCMP note that as the man was riding said bicycle, he was also allegedly carrying an extendable baton and a knife.

Investigation led to the seizure of an additional weapon and drugs, which RCMP clarify that the man was carrying on him at the time of his arrest.

Of significance, RCMP say, they seized a shotgun with the serial number scratched off, as well as ammunition and a significant amount of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

8h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Rodney Arens, 45, of Red Deer, appeared in court Friday, June 9, and is charged with the following:

• Carrying a concealed weapon (X5), including bayonet, bear spray, imitation firearm, shotgun
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose- extendable baton, fixed blade knife
• Possession of a controlled substance- fentanyl, methamphetamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, shotgun, fixed blade knife
• Possession of a Firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession of break-in instrument
• Tampering with serial number (on firearm)
• Careless Use of a firearm

Arens was the man who successfully appealed his drunk driving conviction for a fatal crash in Red Deer which occurred on July 1, 2010.

The collision at Kerry Wood Drive and Taylor Drive killed Jeffrey Chanminaraj, 13, and seriously injured his older brother.

A lengthy trial took place in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench in 2014 where Arens was convicted of impaired driving and dangerous driving causing both death and bodily harm. He was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, minus 185 days’ credit for time served in pre-trial custody.

READ MORE: Arens pleads guilty in fatal crash, avoids second trial

In 2016, the Alberta Court of Appeal quashed the conviction after Arens argued there was a miscarriage of justice when the trial judge referred to Arens refusing to provide a breath sample following the fatal crash even though a specific charge relating to it was withdrawn.

The appeal was upheld and a new trial was ordered. That trial was to begin in February 2018, but it was revealed that he had pleaded guilty to new charges the previous fall, therefore negating the need for a second trial.