ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams), Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service have prevented a significant number of firearms from potentially reaching the streets after a break-and-enter attempt was thwarted.
A total of 19 firearms, including four handguns, were recovered, and two suspects have been charged.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) announced that the arrests came after a lengthy investigation, culminating on September 11, 2024. The incident occurred on July 31, 2024, when 19 firearms, along with 500 rounds of ammunition, were stolen from a home in the Patterson Place neighborhood of Grande Prairie. The stolen firearms included four handguns, five rifles, and ten shotguns. All firearms were legally owned and securely stored.
Staff Sgt. Tim Fralick of ALERT Grande Prairie expressed relief that the stolen firearms were recovered before they could be used for criminal activity. "Our enforcement action prevented these firearms from finding their way to the streets and being introduced to the criminal element," Fralick said
The investigation, which began weeks before the theft, received assistance from both the Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service. As a result, Tasha Lanz, 40, and Denai Lanz, 42, have been charged with multiple offenses, including break and enter, possession of restricted firearms, and possession of loaded firearms.
Denai Lanz remains at large, and a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious activity related to drugs or gangs. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Information provided by: Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)