Traffic stop leads to firearm-related charges: Middlesex County OPP

Police had to utilize a “high risk takedown” of a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old after an officer discovered a long gun inside a vehicle during a traffic stop in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
According to a release from Middlesex County OPP, at 1:26 a.m. on March 26, members of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Police Service were dispatched to an address located at 310 Melbourne Rd. in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation for the report of a suspicious vehicle driving erratically in a parking lot.
A police officer attended the scene and conducted a traffic stop.
Upon speaking with the occupants, the officer noticed a long gun inside the vehicle, and requested additional officers to attend the scene.
The two occupants were later taken into custody utilizing a “high-risk takedown.”
OPP said the firearm had previously been reported as stolen from the City of London.
As a result of the investigation, a 21-year-old man from Southwest Middlesex has been charged with the following offences for his alleged involvement:
- Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Resist peace officer
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
- Two (2) counts -- careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000 - in Canada
In addition, a 19-year-old man, also from Southwest Middlesex, has been charged with the following offences for his alleged involvement:
- Resist peace officer
- Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm
- Two counts (2) -- careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition
- Possession property obtained by crime under $5,000 - in Canada
The accused have been released from police custody and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in relation to the charges on May 11.
“The Middlesex OPP wants to remind the public that if you see anything suspicious or suspect an impaired driver you should contact the Ontario Provincial Police or your nearest police authority immediately,” police said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
O'Toole says CSIS told him he was focus of Chinese misinformation, suppression effort
Conservative MP Erin O'Toole says Canada's spy agency has told him he was the target of Chinese interference intended to to discredit him and promote false narratives about his policies while party leader.

U.S. officer shoots at truck driver near N.B. border crossing
Traffic is back up and running through the border crossing between Woodstock, N.B., and Houlton, Maine, after a security scare Monday.
BREAKING | Blue Jays pitcher 'truly sorry' for sharing anti-LGBTQ2S+ video
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Anthony Bass said he is 'truly sorry' for sharing a controversial anti-LGBTQ2S+ video on Instagram.
Low sexual satisfaction linked to memory decline later in life: study
Low sexual satisfaction in middle age could be linked to future memory decline, according to a new study.
Human rights activist confirmed to be held in Chinese detention centre: family in Canada
Chinese authorities have confirmed that human rights activist Dong Guangping has been held in a Chinese detention centre since October of last year, according to the man's family in Canada.
Police identify engaged couple shot dead after dispute with landlord near Hamilton
A young couple shot and killed after a dispute with their landlord near Hamilton have been identified by police.
Priest charged in alleged sexual assault of 8-year-old girl on Manitoba First Nation
Manitoba RCMP have arrested a priest from a First Nation community who is accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl, and believe there may be more victims.
B.C. teacher who singled out students over their breasts, bathroom-use suspended for 5 days
A B.C. high school teacher is facing a five-day suspension and course requirement after making multiple students feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about their bodies—and it’s not the first time he’s been disciplined in the past decade.
Federal government aiming to dispose of half of its office buildings with hybrid work here to stay
The federal government is planning to offload up to half of its office buildings across the country, citing the rise in remote and hybrid work.