A Bowmanville traffic stop led Durham police to seize a loaded firearm and drugs after officers reported signs of impairment during a roadside interaction Tuesday afternoon.
Durham Regional Police said members of the East Division Community Response Unit were on proactive patrol when they stopped a vehicle near Liberty Street South and Lake Road at about 3:40 p.m. on September 15.
Police allege officers saw signs of impairment while speaking with the driver and demanded a roadside breath sample. The driver registered a fail on an approved screening device and was arrested, according to the police release.
Police report firearm and drugs seized
During a search of the accused, officers said they found a quantity of drugs. Investigators then searched the vehicle and reported locating a loaded firearm, which was seized.
Police identified the accused as 34-year-old Donovan Wendt of Oshawa. DRPS said he was subject to a weapons prohibition at the time of the arrest.
The charges listed by police include several firearm-possession offences, possession of a firearm while prohibited, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number and occupying a vehicle with a firearm. Police also listed two counts of possessing a Schedule I substance, novice driver above zero blood-alcohol content and failure to comply with a release order.
The allegations have not been proven in court. DRPS said the accused was held for a bail hearing.
Investigators seek video and witnesses
Police are asking anyone who was near Liberty Street South and Lake Road between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Tuesday and has dash-camera, cellphone or surveillance video to contact investigators.
The intersection is in south Bowmanville, a short distance north of Highway 401. Police did not report a collision or injuries connected with the stop.
Anyone with information can contact Constable Walker of the East Division Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520, extension 2411. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through its online reporting service.
The release did not state what type or quantity of drugs were allegedly found, and no additional details about the firearm were provided beyond police describing it as loaded.
