Multiple charges laid after fraudulent identification used to purchase firearms
The investigation, suppression and enforcement of gun violence in our city has been a priority for the Calgary Police Service. After an initial investigation into stolen documents, we have laid multiple charges after a search warrant recovered stolen identification that was being used to illegally purchase prohibited firearms from a legitimate online firearms retailer.
On Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, we attended a residence at the 0-100 block of Inverness Boulevard S.E. to execute a search warrant related to stolen documents. We located and seized over 75 items including stolen electronics, identification documents, passports and replica firearms. These items are believed to have been obtained through various break and enters, and thefts from vehicles.
In addition, the investigators believed these stolen documents were used in attempt to forge identities to be used to purchase firearms from a legitimate firearms retailer.
Ross Michael DARR, 30, of Calgary, was charged with one count each of possession of identification documents, possession of stolen property and a breach of a firearms prohibition. DARR will next appear in court Monday, Oct. 20, 2022.
“It is important for us to be able to track where crime guns are coming from. In this case, victims' stolen identification from car thefts and break and enters were being used in attempt to create fraudulent identities that would then be used to purchase firearms from a legitimate online firearms retailer,” says Inspector Shanon Scott of the Calgary Police Service. “The great work of our investigators to recover the stolen property undoubtedly stopped more firearms from getting into the wrong hands.”
Investigators are contacting additional victims in relation to the stolen and fraudulent items and would like to remind victims of recent break and enters to ensure they have reported their stolen documentation through the appropriate channels.
Our efforts to address gun violence rely on strong community support. If you have information that could help an investigation, such as witnessing suspicious behaviour or vehicles, please contact police. Even something small can have a great impact on an investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case# CA22348443/5134