According to a Globe and Mail news report, Toronto resident and legal gun owner (and collector), Peter Sedge, was removed from his home at gunpoint by Toronto police in May, 2008. His 120 legally stored, and collected, guns were seized by police as well. All 14 firearm related charges were dropped 10 months later and his guns returned. The lawsuit has named Toronto police and the individuals who told police about his large gun collection.
Mr. Sedge, through his lawyers, told the Globe and Mail that,
"... the arrest “completely unnecessary” because his client was licensed and had no criminal record. Ontario’s chief firearms officer, who is in charge of licensing, could have been called in to inspect the site or confirm Mr. Sedge’s licence and registration..." Entire Globe and Mail Article Here
Muskoka Outdoors is curious to see how this law suit will play out. What bothers me about the story, as reported, are a few glaring questions that need to be asked:
- With a billion dollar-plus long gun registry in place, that police 'SAY' they check on 'every' call, you would think the fact that the man was a legal gun collector and owner would be noted before the raid?
- Why a raid on a legal gun owner with no prior criminal charges? Why not arrive with the proper paperwork and inspection team at a more appropriate time of day. This is only speculation, but I doubt the person 'reporting' on Mr. Sedge called police minutes before midnight.
- Should legal gun owners be worried that a raid will homing in on their private residences in very much the same way they occur for drug, gang and other criminal shake-downs? I would say yes. It happened in British Columbia, in 2008, for example. Four men were removing their encased firearms from their vehicle when a 'do-gooder' called it in. The men and long-guns were seized shortly after - then released. Read about that incident here.
Meanwhile, back in the world of crime and illegal gun users, the Liberal long gun registry is not even a concern. Police don't know where their guns are...
