ALERT photo
ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team (IGET) has arrested a wanted gang member in possession of a prohibited firearm.
Francis Boysis, who is a self-identified member of the A$AP street gang, was arrested on February 14, 2025 at a home in Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. The 35-year-old is a federal parolee and was wanted on a Canada-wide apprehension and suspension warrant.
Upon ALERT’s arrival at the home, Boysis attempted to flee through a basement window but was quickly apprehended. He was found in possession of a 22-caliber rifle, which is prohibited. Boysis, meanwhile, has multiple lifetime firearms prohibitions as the result of previous convictions.
“A prohibited firearm in the hands of a wanted gang member would have posed a serious community safety threat. But our intelligence-led model was proven effective and we were able to make a quick arrest,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT.
ALERT was tipped off to his possible location by Edmonton parole, and also received assistance from the Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP Community Response Team.
A$AP, which stands for Always Strive and Prosper, is a street gang who are spread across northern and central Alberta, and correctional institutions. Their criminal activities are connected to drug trafficking, home invasions, robberies, stolen property, and are known to rely on violence.
Boysis has been charged with:
- Careless use of a firearm;
- Possession of a prohibited device;
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition readily accessible;
- Uttering threats;
- Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence; and
- Possession of a prohibited firearm (x7)
Boysis remains in custody with his next court date scheduled for February 26, 2025.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.
