Courtesy ALERT

Firearms theft thwarted

Grande Prairie… Nineteen firearms, including four handguns, were spared from hitting city streets after a break and enter attempt was foiled. ALERT has charged two suspects.

ALERT Grande Prairie’s organized crime team charged the would-be thieves on September 11, 2024 following a lengthy investigation and charge approval process.

The break and enter occurred on July 31, 2024 with a total of 19 firearms being stolen from a home in Patterson Place, Grande Prairie. Four handguns, five rifles, and ten shotguns were being stolen along with nearly 500 rounds of ammunition. The firearms were lawfully owned and properly stored.

“ALERT was fortunate to receive timely intelligence about this theft. Our enforcement action prevented these firearms from finding their way to the streets and being introduced to the criminal element,” said Staff Sgt. Tim Fralick, ALERT Grande Prairie.

The investigation began just weeks prior when ALERT received information about the home and the firearms being targeted.

Both Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service helped with the investigation.

Charges have been laid against Tasha Lanz, 40, and Denai Lanz, 42, with break and enter, possession of a restricted firearms, and possession of a loaded firearm. Denai’s whereabouts remain unknown and a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

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.

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.