Golden RCMP seize several weapons following arrest in Habart area

Police in Golden arrested and charged one person and seized several weapons after containing a house the the Habart neighbourhood earlier this month.

On January 12 around 1:00 pm, police noticed two mean walk into a known crime home while carrying what appeared to be long guns, this prompted RCMP to contain the home.

About an hour later, RCMP stopped a vehicle leaving the home, they noticed a sawed-off shotgun on the passenger seat and several weapons were taken from the driver.

Police say the 32-year old male driver was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm, RCMP then turned their attention to the three occupants of the home and made contact with them.

The three residents came outside after a short negotiation, none of them were charged and police were able to recover two pellet guns which were made to look like rifles.

View a statement from Golden-Field RCMP below:

On January 12, 2023 around 1 PM (MST), a member of the community observed 2 men walk into a known crime house carrying long guns in the Habart neighbourhood of Golden BC.

Police are familiar with the residence and know its occupants are not allowed to possess firearms. Police officers of the Golden-Field RCMP Detachment set up containment around the house, and about an hour later, conducted a traffic stop with a red sedan observed leaving the driveway.

Sitting on the passenger seat was a sawed-off shotgun. The 32-year-old male driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was arrested for possession of a prohibited firearm.

A search of the man located multiple knives (1 being an illegal switchblade), a baton, plastic brass knuckles and break-in tools. A search of his vehicle yielded 2 lock pick kits, face coverings, gloves and several other break-in tools.

As the two rifles were still unaccounted for, police maintained containment of the Habart residence for another hour or so, using loud-halers to try and get the remaining occupants to exit the residence safely.

Just after 3 PM contact was made, and after a short negotiation period, 3 occupants exited the residence and were taken into police custody. A search of the house resulted in the seizure of two pellet guns made to look like rifles. The 3 residents were released without charges.

The Golden-Field RCMP Detachment did an exceptional job with tactical strategies and communications in this high-risk incident, leading to a seizure of firearms, weapons, and break-in tools, and a successful arrest of the suspect, writes Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli, the BC RCMP’s Southeast District Commander.

The 32-year-old man was released the following day on strict conditions and an upcoming court date. The matter has been forwarded to BC Prosecution Services for review, and the man could face multiple charges such as Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Unauthorized Possession in a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Break-In Instruments.

This successful outcome would not have been possible without the public’s help. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), advises Constable Kat Robinson, Media Relations Officer for the Golden-Field RCMP.

– Article includes statement and image submitted by Golden-Field RCMP