The arrest of two Innisfailians by local RCMP in connection to serious firearms offences triggered the execution of a search warrant by the Priority Crimes Task Force that led to the seizure of additional weapons.
“We're pleased to have removed more firearms from the community,” said Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk. “With the combined resources of the Priority Crimes Task Force, we are continuing to aggressively target habitual offenders and place them before the courts.”
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler said the investigation began on Aug. 26 shortly before 2:30 a.m. when local Mounties initiated a check on a suspicious vehicle.
Police took a male driver and male passenger into custody without incident and seized a loaded shotgun and ammunition that were in the vehicle, said Eiler. She said both men were on court-ordered firearms prohibitions at the time of their arrest.
Eiler said RCMP seized an additional number of firearms and ammunition from the vehicle after obtaining a search warrant.
She said the initial arrest then led to the involvement of the regional Priority Crimes Task Force, which resulted in the execution of a new search warrant at a residence on 38 St. Cres. in Innisfail later that same morning. During this search, RCMP seized one SKS rifle, brass knuckles and ammunition, said Eiler.
Brandon Jonathan Mulrooney, 21, of Innisfail, is facing six charges of possessing a loaded weapon in a vehicle, nine counts of possessing a weapon contrary to a prohibition order, one charge of possessing a firearm without a license, two counts of possessing a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and one charge of possessing a controlled substance.
Mulrooney will appear in Red Deer provincial court on Sept. 19.
Vincent Luigino Vanin, 25, of Innisfail, is charged with six counts of possessing a loaded weapon in a vehicle and eight charges of a breach of a recognizance. He will also appear in Red Deer provincial court on Sept. 19.
The Priority Crimes Task Force is made up of law enforcement officers from the Lacombe Police Service and Red Deer RCMP, along with those from detachments in Sylvan Lake, Innisfail, Blackfalds, Ponoka and Rocky Mountain House.
RCMP said the task force is committed to increased inter-agency communication, shared criminal intelligence and a strategic focus on prolific property crimes offenders.
Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Chris Matechuk
"With the combined resources of the Priority Crimes Task Force, we are continuing to aggressively target habitual offenders and place them before the courts."
