Police in central Alberta said their investigation following dozens of complaints from the public linked to a Penhold home has resulted in the arrest of one man, the seizure of several pieces of stolen property.
On January 24, RCMP executed a search warrant at a Penhold home, to search for stolen property – while officers were on the scene, the male resident returned to the home with two other people in a vehicle.
The individual was arrested on outstanding warrants, and RCMP arrested the two male passengers as well. A fourth individual, described by police as a male youth, was also taken into custody at the time.
Officers seized a replica firearm, a stolen firearm, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from the vehicle, in addition to the stolen property from the home, including electronics and tools.
Investigators also recovered eight stolen vehicles at the address.
Police said the rifle seized as part of the investigation had been reported stolen in Three Hills on January 1.
“Since July of 2014, this address has been involved in about 70 complaints to our detachment,” Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk with Innisfail RCMP said. “The resident of this address has been involved with 40 of those complaints.”
Gary Raymond Auvigne, 39, of Penhold is facing several charges including three counts of possession of stolen property, and a number of weapons-related offences. RCMP said Auvigne was known to police.
Auvigne is expected to appear in court Thursday. The other three individuals remained in custody.
RCMP are still investigating, and more charges could be laid.
With files from Veronica Jubinville
