ALERT has seized several firearms and an array of stolen property following the arrest of a Coaldale, Alta. man.

ALERT’s Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit seized six firearms in total, including two sawed-off shotguns, two rifles, and two homemade zip guns. Investigators also seized numerous firearms parts and ammunition from the suspect’s Coaldale residence.

“Police had been called to the suspect’s home a number of times and it had become a community nuisance of sorts. We are confident that this arrest and seizure prevented an escalation of violence,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

Two of the firearms were reportedly stolen from a Coaldale break and enter. The homemade guns will be submitted to RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team for further analysis and ballistics testing.

In addition to the firearms ALERT located multiple stolen credit cards and identity documents, stolen license plates, counterfeit U.S. currency, and miscellaneous stolen property.

ALERT made the arrest and seizure on October 15, 2020 with help from Coaldale RCMP and Medicine Hat Police Service. The investigation began in September 2020.

Ethan Wiebe, a 20-year-old man from Coaldale, was charged with:

• Manufacturing a firearm;

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon;

• Careless storage of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm obtained by an offence;

• Possession of stolen property;

• Possession of identity documents;

• Possession of stolen credit card data;

• Possession of counterfeit currency; and

• Failure to comply with a probation order.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous. Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser

Southeast Alberta Property Crime Unit

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)

403-529-8425