Accused in firearms manufacturing case makes first appearance

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on October 19, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 39-year-old Vulcan man accused of using a 3D printer to manufacture firearms had his charges addressed for the first time Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court.

Calgary lawyer Tyson Dahlem appeared in court on behalf of the accused, Reed Robert Davis, who was unable to attend for health reasons.

Davis is charged with manufacturing firearms, manufacturing an explosive, unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, possession of a prohibited weapon, and drug possession.

Lethbridge Crown prosecutor James Rouleau told court the matter is being handled by Specialized Prosecutions, which has elected to proceed by way of indictment. Indictment allows for a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for some of the charges.

ALERT Lethbridge’s organized crime team charged Davis on Aug. 11 following a lengthy investigation that revealed a man was using a 3D printer and machinist tools to manufacture firearms and firearms parts.

“3D printed firearms recklessly circumvent the lawful process of firearms possession and represent a myriad of threats to public safety,” Staff Sgt. Leon Borbandy reported in a news release subsequent to Davis’ arrest. “As technology evolves, ALERT and our policing partners will remain steadfast in responding to emerging trends to keep Alberta communities safe.”

The investigation, which began in January 2022, involved the Vulcan RCMP, Lethbridge police, and the RCMP’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team. Police searched four homes in the Vulcan area and seized four manufactured firearms in various stages of completion, a 3D printer, a small improvised explosive device, two restricted handguns, a loaded shotgun, a rifle, various rounds of ammunition, and 15 grams of methamphetamine.

Police said one of the manufactured firearms was capable of firing live ammunition, and the improvised explosive device was removed by the Lethbridge Police Service explosive disposal unit and later detonated.

Davis’ second court hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday.

Follow @DShurtzHerald on Twitter