Grande Prairie RCMP observed a vehicle being driven erratically and conducted a traffic stop that led to firearm charges.

On June 26, 2021 at approximately 11:12 p.m., officers were conducting patrols in the area of 84 Avenue and Poplar Drive.  A S.U.V. was observed driving up on the curb and swerving into other lanes.  The officers conducted a traffic stop and with additional investigation, arrested the driver for impaired operation of a vehicle.  A search of the driver resulted in the seizure of a Glock magazine with 9 rounds of ammunition.  A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a Glock 23 handgun, a holster and a prohibited 22 round magazine.

Ryan Haynes, a 34-year-old male from Grande Prairie, Alta., was charged with:

·         Unauthorized possession of a restricted / prohibited weapon x 3 

·         Contravention of Prohibition Order x 4

·         Unsafe storage of a firearm

Following a judicial hearing, Haynes was released from custody to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on July 12, 2021.