At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, police responded to the report of a break-and-enter to a business in the area of 115 Avenue and 149 Street. It was reported to police that a male suspect had entered the firearms business and was removing a variety of items, including firearms, ammunition and military surplus items. The suspect then reportedly left the stolen items in front of the business and was seen by police fleeing the area with a firearm.
With assistance from EPS Air One and the EPS Tactical Unit, West Division officers arrested the suspect in a nearby industrial compound. Officers also located a reported stolen vehicle in the area that they believe was used during the theft and contained a loaded firearm.
Following a thorough investigation, and with assistance from the Stony Plain RCMP, officers searched a residence in Spruce Grove where additional stolen firearms and ammunition were seized. Investigators believe the male may also be linked to similar incidents that took place in the Spruce Grove area in 2018.
In total, officers seized 30 firearms, more than 2000 rounds of ammunition and a variety of military surplus items, including bayonets and knives.
A 17-year-old male has subsequently been charged with 20 offences, including break-and-enter to steal firearms (x3),theft of motor vehicles and other firearms related charges.
Officers continue to investigate.