ALERT Lethbridge has arrested and charged a 39-year-old man from Vulcan.
After a lengthy investigation which started in January of this year, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team team from Lethbridge charged the suspect on August 11.
It's alleged he used a 3D printer and machinist tools to make firearms as well as parts.
Staff Sgt. Leon Borbandy said "3D printed firearms recklessly circumvent the lawful process of firearms possession and fly in the face of law-abiding firearms owners. As technology evolves, ALERT and our policing partners will remain steadfast in responding to emerging trends to keep Alberta communities safe".
ALERT Lethbridge was assisted in the investigation by Vulcan RCMP, Lethbridge Police and the RCMP's NWEST (National Weapons Enforcement Support Team).
During the course of the investigation four homes in the Vulcan area were searched with the following items being seized:
- Four manufactured firearms in various stages of completion;
- 3D printer;
- A small improvised explosive device;
- Two restricted handguns;
- Loaded shotgun;
- Rifle;
- Various rounds of ammunition;
- 15 grams of methamphetamine.
NWEST did preliminary testing on one of the manufactured firearms and it was found to functional and able to fire live ammunition. They are also currently conducting more forensic analysis and ballistic testing.
The IED (improvised explosive device) was safely detonated by the Lethbridge Police Services Explosive Disposal Unit.
Reed Davis has been charged with:
- Manufacturing of firearms;
- Manufacturing an explosive;
- Unsafe storage of a firearm;
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- Possession of a prohibited weapon; and
- Possession of drugs.
He was released from custody and is scheduled to be in court on October 18, 2022.