The weapons and ammunition seized were displayed at a news conference on Jan. 26, 2023. (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chris Brown

ALERT recovers firearms, stolen property at Cypress County home

Jan 26, 2023 | 9:44 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – What began as an investigation into a report of a stolen trailer and recreational vehicle led to the seizure of various firearms and ammunition from a Cypress County residence.

Two crossbows, six rifles, three shotguns and various rounds of ammunition were seized on Jan. 4. The stolen vehicle, a 2013 Polaris RZR 900 worth about $27,000, was also located.

One of the firearms had its serial number defaced. ALERT is conducting a follow-up investigation to determine how they were acquired.

“These weapons had all been left in plain sight, stored carelessly throughout the garage. Some of the guns our officers seized were also found loaded, which could have been a very dangerous situation if they had ended up in the wrong hands,” said acting S/Sgt. David Gornisiewicz, ALERT Medicine Hat.

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He adds this seizure is another reminder of the value of the partnership between ALERT Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff RCMP. It allows for a wide range of enforcement and helps them to conduct successful investigations.

“Criminals have no boundaries and no borders,” he said at a later news conference. “These partnerships allow us to be able to do something very similar and become successful in prosecutions as well as getting guns like this off the street.”

The suspect is bound by two firearms prohibitions, including a lifetime ban on possession of a firearm, crossbow, restricted weapons, ammunition or explosive substances.

The ALERT Medicine Hat regional property crime unit worked with Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff RCMP. The investigation started in December.

The stolen recreational vehicle. (Photo Courtesy ALERT)

Denver Ailsby, 44, of Cypress County, was taken into custody from his home without incident. He is facing a total of 61 charges, including:

• Possession of stolen property over $5,000;
• Possess firearm alter/deface serial number;
• Breaching prohibition order (10 year) x13;
• Breaching prohibition order (lifetime) x13;
• Possession of firearm without license x10;
• Careless storage of firearm x11; and
• Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public x12.

Ailsby has been released and is awaiting a court date scheduled for Jan. 31.

Members of the public that if you suspect drug or gang activity in your community to call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.