‘High-risk offender’ charged, released

Matthew Osborne, 33, of Fredericton, was arrested in New Maryland this week, says RCMP

A Fredericton man whom police describe as “a high-risk violent offender” was arrested on suspicion of property offences Wednesday, only to be released from custody on conditions.

The Oromocto detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Friday afternoon, reporting officers effected an arrest in the New Maryland area Wednesday after receiving reports of several incidents in the village.

An RCMP cruiser. (Photo: Facebook)

“On May 21, 2025, members of the Oromocto RCMP detachment responded to a report of a potential theft from a vehicle in progress in New Maryland. The individual had fled the scene on foot prior to police arrival. No one was injured during this incident,” the release said.

“Police began searching and were able to quickly locate the individual at a nearby business on Route 101 in New Maryland. A 33-year-old man from Fredericton, who is known to police as a high-risk violent offender, was arrested without incident.”

It said Mounties seized stolen property from the suspect, as well as a hunting knife.

“Police believe the items seized are related to several other thefts in the community,” the RCMP reported.

Matthew Osborne, 33, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday and was charged with four counts of possession of stolen property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, and threats to a police officer, the release said.

Osborne was later released from custody on conditions and is set to return to court at a later date for pleas, it said.

Anyone with information that could aid in the ongoing investigation is urged to call the Oromocto RCMP detachment at 506-357-4300.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.