Police charge male with weapons offences, uttering threats

Lethbridge Police seized a firearm from a southside home and charged a 69-year-old male with threats and weapons offences following a high-risk incident over the weekend.

On April 6, police responded to a report that a male was in possession of a firearm and had threatened to shoot an acquaintance. Just before 6:30 p.m., police attended a residence along the 900 block of 14 Street South, securing the home and directing neighbours to shelter in place as a precaution. The male exited the home but did not comply with police commands. Officers deployed several sock rounds and a conducted energy weapon before the male was taken into custody. He was assessed by EMS at the scene and then transported to hospital for further treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

Police later obtained a search warrant for the home and seized a shot gun, that was improperly stored, along with ammunition. Police also found that the shotgun had been discharged inside the home.

Paul Joseph Lewis, 69, of Lethbridge, is charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, criminal harassment, resisting a peace officer, careless use of a firearm and unsafe storage of firearm.

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Lewis was released from custody with numerous conditions, and is scheduled to appear in court May 1.