Joint investigation results in suspect facing 55 outstanding warrants and 26 new charges

A joint investigation between Airdrie RCMP and the Calgary Police Service has resulted in the arrest of a man that had 55 outstanding warrants in relation to failures to appear in court, and driving and weapons-related offences.

The operation began in mid-November when the Calgary Police Service Offender Management Unit came to know that a suspect may be residing in the Airdrie area.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, Airdrie Crime Reduction Unit, Airdrie General Investigative Section, Airdrie General Duty, Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Team and Southern Alberta Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant for firearms on a residence in the Luxstone area of Airdrie. It was also believed that the suspect was hiding at this residence. The Airdrie Intervention Unit also assisted by ensuring the safety of several children and other family members in the residence.

The suspect was not in the residence but was spotted driving in the neighbourhood, eventually leaving Airdrie to drive to Calgary. RCMP officers followed him to a residence in the 1400 block of 40 Street S.W.

The man refused to leave the residence and indicated he was armed with multiple weapons.

The CPS Tactical Unit set up containment and negotiations continued for several hours until the man surrendered without incident.

A search warrant of the S.W. residence produced imitation firearms, a crossbow and bear spray.

Joed SMITH, 37, faces 26 additional charges.