On Feb. 1, 2021 at approximately 11:20 p.m., Airdrie RCMP conducted a traffic stop with a motorhome on Yankee Valley Blvd near Ravenswood neighbourhood in Airdrie, Alta. The officer went to do police checks when another officer looked into the RV and observed the driver holding an assault rifle.
Officers retreated to cover and resources were called in. Residences in the immediate area were evacuated as there was a threat of an explosion. The City of Airdrie assisted with supplying buses for these families and transported them to the Town and Country.
Airdrie RCMP were assisted by the Southern Alberta Emergency Response Team (ERT), Police Dog Services, Airdrie Fire Department, EMS and Calgary HAWCS. After a lengthy standoff, the male surrendered to police.
A 51-year-old male of Calgary, Alta. has been charged with the following:
- Fail to comply with release order
- Resist/obstruct a police officer
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
He also had five outstanding warrants out of Calgary Police Service and seven outstanding warrants out of Edmonton Police Service. He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Airdrie Provincial Court on Feb. 4, 2021 at 9 a.m.
A second male was travelling with the 51-year-old male, but following in a separate vehicle. A 42-year-old male of Calgary, Alta. was also arrested and charged with the following:
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization (x2)
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of body armour without a valid permit
He has been remanded into custody and will be appearing in Airdrie Provincial Court on Feb. 4, 2021 at 9 a.m.