Alberta RCMP Crime Reduction Unit recovers stolen vehicle, seizes firearm and ammunition

during search on rural property

On Nov. 27, 2025, officers from the RCMP Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit (EAD RCRU) attended a rural address in the M.D. of Bonnyville No.87 to execute a search warrant for stolen property and firearms. During their investigation and subsequent search of the property, officers recovered a stolen pick-up truck, seized a firearm and over 2,500 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.The execution of this search warrant was done in collaboration with the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), Bonnyville RCMP General Investigation Section, and Cold Lake RCMP Crime Reduction Unit.

Joseph Bernie Gamache, a 45-year-old resident of the M.D. of Bonnyville, has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000;

• Possession of a firearm and ammunition contrary to an order;

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;

• Possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized; and

• Failure to comply with a release order.

Gamache was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded into custody. Gamache is next scheduled to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Lac La Biche on Dec. 1, 2025.

“This is one example of how the Alberta RCMP works collaboratively to target priority offenders who contribute to harming our rural communities” said Cst. Liam MULLIGAN with the Eastern Alberta District Rural Crime Reduction Unit. We are committed to addressing rural property crime through proactive means to enhance public safety by holding these offenders accountable to their actions”.