Firearm manufacturing case may be resolved without trial

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on November 30, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 39-year-old Vulcan man accused of using a 3D printer to manufacture firearms may resolve his charges without going to trial.

During a brief hearing Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court, Calgary lawyer Tyson Dahlem said he and the Crown are having resolution discussions and hope to move forward with the case against his client, Reed Robert Davis.

Davis, who was previously released on bail but was unable to attend court Tuesday because he is ill, is charged with manufacturing firearms, manufacturing an explosive, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, possession of a prohibited weapon, and drug possession.

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 following 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 Lethbridge police, Vulcan RCMP 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.

During Tuesday’s court hearing, one of Davis’ release conditions requiring him to regularly report in person to the police was amended to allow him to report by phone, and the matter was adjourned to Dec. 9 to allow time for the defence and the Crown to continue resolution discussions. An additional but unrelated charge of assault was also adjourned. Dahlem pointed out the assault charge will be resolved.

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