LAC LA BICHE - Five days after Lac La Biche RCMP responded to a firearms complaint at a rural property near the Heart Lake community, they came back with a search warrant and a lot more resources — including a crisis negotiations team, an explosives disposal unit, a helicopter, a police dog and an emergency response team. Police were first called to a firearms complaint on May 22 at approximately 5:15 in the afternoon. A subsequent investigation resulted in a search warrant being executed at the property on May 27. The investigation has resulted in several charges being laid against an area man.
Lac La Biche RCMP say the man is facing charges of pointing a firearm, four counts of careless use of a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with court orders. While the suspect was not on the property, described by police as an "acreage (or) ranch not on the Heart Lake First Nations, but in the immediate area," they say he was located at a Lac La Biche motel, "and arrested without incident."
A lot of resources
When asked about the use of the emergency response team and other resources, police say they conduct firearm investigations with a lot of caution.
"As per the charges, pointing a firearm. These reports are taken very seriously and police and public safety are paramount," Lac La Biche RCMP Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbrown told the POST.
When asked about the need for the explosives disposal unit, Nutbrown said he didn't have all of the details available and couldn't comment.
Morris Monias, 53, of Heart Lake, has been released from custody with an order to appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on July 13 to face the charges.
