Calgary man charged with weapons offences, impersonating a soldier
A Calgary man accused of posing as an ex-military member and providing survivalist training under false credentials is now facing charges.
The investigation began in May after police were alerted about a man operating a firearms training, survival training and women’s self-defence company called Sheep Dog Enterprises out of his southeast Calgary home.
"It is alleged that the man was in possession of several firearms, did not possess proper documentation nor licencing for firearms, and had not been involved with the military at any point," police said in a release.
"It is also believed that the man falsified documentation and deceived his way into veterans’ and law enforcement support groups."
Police obtained a search warrant and the man's home was searched on July 6, when several firearms were seized, along with multiple falsified documents, forged ID badges and body armour.
Bradley Bell, 35, is charged with:
- One count of unlawful use of military uniforms or certificates;
- Three counts of possession of a firearm while unauthorized;
- Three counts of careless use, storage, handling and transportation of a firearm;
- Two counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000;
- One count of possession of body armour without a valid permit, and;
- Traffic Safety Act charges, including driving while unauthorized, driving without registration and driving while uninsured.
"We are still working to understand why Mr. Bell went to such lengths to represent himself as an ex-member of the Canadian military," said Calgary police Sgt. Ben Lawson.
"Regardless of his motivation, we recognize that illegal possession and improper handling of firearms can have significant impacts on community safety."
The group Stolen Valour Canada issued a statement:
"We remember the blood, sweat and tears that it took to earn a piece of metal attached to coloured ribbon, a strip of cloth or an embroidered badge, we are also most protective of the title 'veteran,'" it read.
"Fakery is not flattery, it’s cold, calculated deception. Over the course of the past seven years, SVC has exposed posers, fakes and embellishers who have used their false military narratives to 'sell their services/skills,' secure access to employment opportunities or advance their political aspirations. Intimidation, theft, fraud including accessing veteran/military benefits, questionable charity schemes, embezzlement and dating scams are routinely connected with false claims of armed forces service.
"Fortunately, many veterans serve in Canada’s police services and they recognize that stolen valour is often the tip of the iceberg. SVC commends the CPS for their successful investigation in this case and we’ll will watch for further developments concerning potential 'stolen valour' charges."
Police say the investigation continues and further charges could be laid.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they're now named Scouting America
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.