Road rage involving gun leads to charges

Officers stopped a vehicle this weekend following reports of a road rage incident in which a family was threatened with a gun. The suspect was safely taken into custody and a small, loaded handgun was seized.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, around 3:40 p.m., police were called for a report of a reckless driver who threatened another driver with a firearm. It is believed that friends were travelling southbound on Blackfoot Trail S.E., in two separate vehicles with their children, when a white, 2019 Toyota Camry cut in between the two vehicles, causing the one behind to brake hard to avoid a collision. The driver of the Camry allegedly drove erratically, honking their horn, overtaking the other vehicles then stopping on the roadway blocking traffic on 42 Avenue S.E. The driver of the Camry then allegedly exited his vehicle, approached the victims, produced a handgun and imitated loading his firearm in preparation to shoot, while shouting profanities at the occupants of the victim vehicles.

The driver returned to his vehicle, then allegedly continued driving aggressively, following the victims, cutting off traffic to catch up and stop others from passing him. Eventually the suspect driver left the area.

Officers located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle travelling westbound on Glenmore Trail, turning into the Grey Eagle Casino parking lot. The officers stopped the vehicle and safely took the suspect into custody.

Following the arrest, a number of items were seized from the vehicle, including a small handgun loaded with a round in the chamber and numerous rounds of .22 calibre ammunition in the magazine.

The driver, who was also determined to be a suspended driver, was wanted on a trespassing warrant from the Grey Eagle Casino and did not hold a valid firearms license. The investigation is continuing and further charges may be laid.

Bat Sinh LY, 46, has been charged with:

·       Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

·       Careless storage of a firearm

·       Pointing a firearm

·       Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

·       Carrying a concealed weapon

·       Unauthorized possession of a firearm

·       Driving while suspended.

LY was released from custody and will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.

Case #22416558/4568