2 charged in gun-trafficking investigation, 2020 shooting: EPS
Two men have been charged with multiple firearms-related offences in connection to a straw-buying operation dating back to 2019.
Straw buying is where one person buys a good or service for someone else who can’t or doesn’t want to themselves.
In February of 2021, Edmonton police were called to a weapons complaint in the area of 125 Street and 132 Avenue. Officers arrested Caleb Lauer, 25, who they say was in possession of a handgun with a defaced serial number.
Lauer was charged with nine offences, including possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
During the investigation, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit discovered the firearm was used in a shooting in the Castledowns area on Dec. 6, 2020. No injuries were reported in that incident.
On Aug. 25, 2021, Brett Shepherd, the registered owner of the handgun, was arrested, police said. He had a valid firearms license and three other restricted firearms were registered at his residence. Police said the guns were missing when officers searched his home.
“The investigation revealed that Shepherd allegedly purchased the four handguns over a two-month period, with the intention of trafficking those firearms as a straw purchaser,” said EPS in a news release.
“The firearms were allegedly trafficked to Lauer over a period of time between December 2019 and January 2020.”
Shepherd has been charged with nine offences, including firearms trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and unauthorized possession.
On Sept. 9, 2021, Lauer was arrested again in relation to numerous offenses, including the December 2020 shooting.
He has been charged with 11 offences, including discharging a firearm with the intent to endanger life, firearms trafficking, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.