RCMP Seize Stolen Truck, Gun and 2,500 Rounds in Major Rural Bonnyville Bust

RCMP recovered a stolen pick-up truck, a firearm and more than 2,500 rounds of ammunition during a search at a rural property in the M.D. of Bonnyville on Nov. 27.

Search Leads to Significant Seizure

Officers with the RCMP Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant at a rural address in the M.D. of Bonnyville No. 87. With support from the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, the RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, Bonnyville GIS and the Cold Lake Crime Reduction Unit, investigators located:

• A stolen pick-up truck

• A firearm

• Over 2,500 rounds of ammunition in various calibres

Local Man Charged

Joseph Bernie Gamache, 45, of the M.D. of Bonnyville, faces several Criminal Code charges, including:

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

• Possession of a firearm and ammunition contrary to an order

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Possession of a firearm knowing possession was unauthorized

• Failure to comply with a release order

Gamache was remanded into custody after a hearing before a Justice of the Peace. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 1 in Lac La Biche.

RCMP Emphasise Ongoing Rural Crime Efforts

“This is one example of how the Alberta RCMP works collaboratively to target priority offenders who contribute to harming our rural communities,” said Cst. Liam Mulligan of the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit. “We are committed to addressing rural property crime through proactive means to enhance public safety by holding these offenders accountable.”

How to Report Rural Crime

Anyone with information on property crime in the Bonnyville area can contact Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at P3Tips.com. For non-emergency matters in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP.