Clairmont RCMP seized an alleged loaded weapon on Stompede grounds, leading to one person being arrested and charged.
RCMP say on Friday, May 29 at approximately 10:15 p.m., while officers were conducting foot patrols on the Stompede grounds, they were approached by a patron who reported that a male had allegedly brandished a handgun toward him.
The victim identified the individual to police, when officers attempted to engage with the suspect, he fled into a nearby parking lot. After a brief foot pursuit, police arrested the suspect.
During the arrest, officers recovered a loaded 9mm Norinco handgun. Mounties say the firearm’s serial number had been deliberately removed, and the magazine contained 14 rounds of ammunition.
As a result of the investigation, a 30 year old male from Grande Prairie was charged with: possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a restricted weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a restricted weapon without a license, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, and possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number.
“It is deeply troubling to see a loaded firearm produced in a crowded public setting” said Cst. Kenji Welch of the Clairmont RCMP. “We remain committed to responding swiftly to these threats and ensuring that community events like the Stompede remain safe for everyone”.
The accused was brought before a justice of the peace and released on conditions, and is set to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on June 22.
