On Feb. 23, 2023, officers with the Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) located a vehicle associated to a male with outstanding warrants. CRU attempted a traffic stop with the vehicle at which point it fled from police but collided with a second police vehicle arriving to assist. An adult and a youth passenger were arrested in the vehicle. No police or occupants of the suspect vehicle sustained physical injuries. Both vehicles were damaged as a result of the collision.
A search of the vehicle located the following:
- A loaded Ruger pistol with the serial number removed
- 30 grams of suspected cocaine
- Drug packaging materials
- Brass knuckles
- Canadian Currency
A 22-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, has been charged with:
- Flight from police
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance (Cocaine)
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Carry concealed weapon
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
- Possession of firearm knowing the serial number on it had been removed
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm while prohibited
- Failing to comply with release conditions (x3)
At the time of arrest, the 22-year-old individual was wanted on several warrants for similar offences. Following a hearing, the 22-year-old individual was remanded into custody to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court March. 20, 2023.
A 17-year-old youth who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act was also arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance and six firearms related offences. The 17-year-old youth was released on an undertaking to appear in court April 5, 2023.
Grande Prairie RCMP encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911.If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.