A DeWinton man is facing a number of firearms-related charges, after he was found on a Cochrane-area property in direct possession of a firearm.
Cochrane RCMP responded to a call the evening of Jan. 8 to aid in locating Glen Gieschen, said Cpl. Matt Pumphrey of the Cochrane detachment.
The 44-year-old man’s family contacted the Okotoks detachment for help after Gieschen left a family member’s home. Cochrane RCMP was contacted after the caller mentioned Gieschen may have run off to his parent’s acreage near Cochrane. And that’s where he was found in the early morning hours of Jan. 9. Gieschen surrendered to police without incident. When he was located, he was in possession of a semi-automatic handgun. A search of the man’s vehicle revealed chemicals and components that could be used to construct an explosive device, said Pumphrey.
The car search also turned up a loaded semi-automatic assault rifle, along with tactical gear including night vision and climbing gear. Both firearms were the personal property of Gieschen, said Pumphrey.
Gieschen has been charged with several firearms related offences, including possession of a restricted handgun, as well as charge for the illegal possession of the components necessary to construct an explosive device.
Also responding to the scene were Explosive Disposal Units from Calgary Police Services and RCMP “K” Division, and the Calgary Fire Department.
Gieschen is set to appear in Cochrane Provincial Court March 4, following a 30-day stint undergoing psychiatric assessment.
Two British Columbia men have been charged after a traffic stop along Highway 1 unearthed a 10-lb stash of marijuana.
The eastbound vehicle was pulled over near Lake Louise for a vehicle equipment violation around 12:30 p.m., Jan. 29.
Members of Cochrane Integrated and Roving Traffic Unit detained the two occupants for a controlled drugs and substances act investigation during which “Maggie” — a police service dog — was deployed. A search revealed 10 pounds of marijuana hidden in a variety of spots within the vehicle. The value of the seizure at street-level gram sale is $68,000.
The two passengers in the vehicle — both 19-year-old men from Vernon, B.C. — were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
