**** HRP Media Release
Police lay firearms charges
Halifax Regional Police has laid a number of firearms charges in relation to an investigation following a search of a residence in Dartmouth this month.
On March 6, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a package that had been shipped from China to an address in Dartmouth. The package contained a portion of a firearm that had been smuggled into Canada.
On March 14, investigators from the Integrated Gun and Drug Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency conducted a controlled delivery of the package and arrested the suspect when they picked it up. The investigators conducted a search of a residence related to the suspect and arrested a woman who was in the residence. The investigators seized a loaded handgun, three replica firearms, two crossbows, body armor, brass knuckles, knives, a 3D printer, and a quantity of other firearms parts.
Today the investigators conducted a search of a second residence in Dartmouth. Officers arrested a 70-year-old man who was in the residence and officers seized a firearm, replica firearms and prohibited knives.
Joseph Wayne Bowser, 34, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- Trafficking in firearms
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime (x4)
- Possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm (x4)
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
- Store firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- Disguise with intent
- Smuggling
- Failure to comply with conditions of a court order (x3)
- Disobeying order of court (x3)
- Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order (x18)
- Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
- Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm
Kyra Heather Elizabeth Cooper, 19, is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- Trafficking in firearms
- Possession of a firearm, prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime (x4)
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x4)
- Unauthorized possession of firearm (x4)
- Possession weapon dangerous to public peace (x6)
- Handle firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
- Careless use of a firearm or weapon
- Unauthorized import/export weapons (x2)
- Possession of computer data that pertain to a firearm
The 70-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court at a later date to face the following charges:
- Unauthorized possession of firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- Careless use of a firearm or weapon
Anyone with information about illegal firearms should contact police at 902-490-5016. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or via the P3 Tips App.
**** New Glasgow Police Release
Fire results in no injuries but extensive damage to the residence
On Monday March 25 at approximately 3:20a.m., New Glasgow Fire Department, Stellarton Fire Department, Linacy Fire Department, Trenton Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Department, Abercrombie Fire Department, Little Harbour Fire Department, New Glasgow Regional Police, Emergency Health Services and Nova Scotia Power responded to a structure fire at a four unit apartment building on Brookside Avenue, New Glasgow.
Brookside and nearby streets continue to be closed to traffic and pedestrians for as fire crews continue to deal with the ongoing situation..
No one was injured as a result of the fire.
The apartment sustained extensive damages.
Red Cross was assisting in the accommodating displaced persons.
The investigation will continue today as investigators will continue to determine possible causes.
New Glasgow Fire Department and other fire Departments and New Glasgow Regional Police remain on scene and continue to investigate.
