An open gate helped Lethbridge police recover firearms and stolen property

Lethbridge Police Headquarters is shown in Lethbridge, Alta., Wednesday, March 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Rossiter

Lethbridge Police seized several firearms and $85,000 worth of stolen property as officers conducted a safety check after finding an open gate at a business.

On Nov. 10, police found the gate to a storage compound along the 300 block of 10 Street North ajar and, as they investigated, they found two people rummaging through two open units and sea cans.

After officers determined the men didn’t own the storage units, they were arrested and a warrant was executed on the storage facility.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Police recovered nearly $60,000 worth of stolen power tools that have been linked to five separate break-and-enters, as well as five stolen firearms, ammunition and a small quantity of fentanyl.

As police investigated further, they were led to a residence along the 1800 block of 58 Street South and, on Nov. 13, a search warrant at that home uncovered more stolen property linked to another five break-in and theft files.

Investigators found numerous power tools, electric scooters and bikes, airsoft guns and more, totaling approximately $25,000, a truck reported stolen from the Crowsnest Pass, drug paraphernalia and several boxes of ammunition.

Police believe the home’s two male occupants have been accepting stolen property as payment for drugs.

Bradley Kenneth John Robinson, 35, of Lethbridge, is charged with:

• possession of stolen property over $5,000;
• three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000;
• possession of a controlled substance;
• possession of stolen identity documents;
• possession of break-in instruments;
• possession of a prohibited weapon;
• make/possess identity documents;
• five counts of possession of a firearm obtained by the commission of an offence;
• five counts of careless use/storage of a firearm; and
• five counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Robinson is currently in custody as he awaits a bail hearing.

Shawn Samuel James Fralick, 28, of Pincher Creek, is charged with:

• possession of stolen property over $5,000;
• four counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000;
• possession of break-in instruments;
• unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• two counts of failing to comply with a probation order; and
• four counts of failing to comply with a driving prohibition.

Fralick remains in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing.

Yancy Reese Scott, 27, of Lethbridge, is charged with:

• possession of a controlled substance; and
• three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000.

Scott was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 22, 2026.