Grande Prairie RCMP have arrested one male and seized a large quantity of firearms, weapons, and ammunition, after executing a search warrant on a property north of the city. 

RCMP began an investigation after receiving a report that a male was in possession of firearms and ammunition contrary to a lifetime firearms prohibition. 

Police obtained a search warrant for a property approximately 45 km northeast of Grande Prairie. In the morning hours of Dec. 2, Grande Prairie RCMP attended the property to execute the search warrant. Assistance for the search was provided by Spirit River RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), and RCMP Air Services. 

During the execution of the search warrant, the male suspect would not surrender to police and a 4-hour standoff ensued. Support units provided tools such as the Tactical Armoured Vehicle (TAV), and the suspect did eventually surrender to RCMP. 

A search of the property was completed, with the assistance of Grande Prairie RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) and Forensic Identification Section (FIS). Police located and seized 21 firearms, two crossbows, and several thousand rounds of ammunition. 

Leonard Berry, 69, of Grande Prairie has been charged with the following 69 offences: 

  • Possession of a firearm or weapon contrary to a prohibition order (24 counts) 
  • Unsafe storage of firearm (21 counts) 
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm (20 counts) 
  • Unauthorized possession of prohibited weapon/ ammunition (3 counts) 
  • Resisting arrest 

Berry has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Grande Prairie Provincial Court on Dec. 14. 

Information provided by the Alberta RCMP.