RCMP seize cache of firearms, explosives
A Campbell River man is facing firearm charges after RCMP seized a cache of 10 firearms, including high-powered explosives and detonators from a home.
The multi-day raid started after a man allegedly pointed a loaded gun at an off-duty police officer in the Beaver Lodge Lands on Jan. 28.
The man was arrested, and Mounties searched his home. More than 100 guns, including handguns, shotguns and assaultstyle rifles were seized.
Many of the firearms were prohibited weapons, including a Second World War-era Bren machine gun with a tripod, said Campbell River RCMP Cpl. Ron Vlooswyk.
Investigators also found homemade silencers, zip guns, illegal over-capacity magazines and untraceable firearms.
The firearms and devices were stored improperly and some were loaded, police said.
The search was delayed when high-powered explosives, detonators and detonator cords were found, Vlooswyk said.
The RCMP’s explosive disposal unit was called to safely remove the explosives and detonators.
In total, three truckloads of guns, ammunition and prohibited devices were removed from the home.
Vlooswyk said police are recommending numerous firearm charges for consideration by Crown counsel.
“Every prohibited device, every firearm not properly stored can be considered an individual offence,” he said.
An off-duty officer was riding his bike with his dog in the forested area of Beaver Lodge Lands on the morning of Jan. 28 when he passed a man walking his dog toward the south Dogwood parking lot.
When the officer arrived in the parking lot, he could hear the man calling for his dog.
The officer went back onto the trails to help the man look for the dog.
The man was enraged that his dog was missing and when the officer said he was there to help, the man allegedly pulled out a pistol and pointed it at the officer, according to Campbell River RCMP.
The officer was able to safely get out of the situation and called 911. On-duty officers arrived and the man was arrested. A handgun and ammunition were seized from his car.
Tony Green, 55, faces six charges in relation to that incident, including pointing a firearm, possession dangerous to public, carrying a concealed weapon and unauthorized possession.
He remains in police custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 12.