A significant arrest was made on April 1, 2026, in Clarington, Ontario, after a 48-year-old male was apprehended in connection with a series of road rage incidents involving a firearm. The investigation, which began in February 2026, was conducted by the Durham Regional Police Service’s (DRPS) Gun and Gang Unit (GGU). The suspect, later identified as Le Var Shamari Lewin, allegedly pointed a firearm at two separate motorists during road rage encounters. These incidents prompted immediate investigation by the police, eventually leading to Lewin’s arrest.
The DRPS launched the investigation after receiving reports from motorists about being threatened with a firearm while on the road. The suspect’s actions raised immediate concern as road rage incidents involving firearms have the potential to escalate quickly, endangering the public’s safety. In response, the DRPS’s Gun and Gang Unit began to track the suspect, gathering evidence and preparing for an eventual arrest.
On April 1, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Courtice, a community located in Clarington. During the search, police seized a firearm that was found to have a prohibited over-capacity magazine. In addition to the weapon, investigators discovered the suspect’s vehicle, which was involved in the road rage incidents. It was later confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen and that its vehicle identification number (VIN) had been altered, which is a clear violation of the law.
The suspect, Le Var Shamari Lewin, aged 48 and from Clarington, was arrested at the scene. He now faces a range of charges, including possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm without a license, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and possession of property obtained by crime. Furthermore, Lewin was in violation of three separate firearm prohibition conditions that had already been imposed on him.
Lewin was taken into custody and held for a bail hearing. The charges he faces are serious, and the DRPS’s efforts to track down the suspect underscore the department’s commitment to addressing gun violence and escalating road rage incidents in the Durham Region. With the increased prevalence of firearms in road rage situations, the DRPS is taking proactive measures to investigate and apprehend those who pose a risk to public safety.
The investigation continues, and police are urging anyone who may have additional information related to the incidents or the suspect to come forward. The DRPS is specifically asking anyone with relevant details or surveillance footage to contact the Gun and Gang Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5800. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This case highlights the growing concerns surrounding road rage and the use of firearms in confrontational situations. The DRPS’s ongoing efforts to tackle these issues are critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Clarington and throughout Durham Region. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by such incidents and the importance of swift action to prevent escalation.
The public’s role in supporting law enforcement efforts through tips and information is crucial in making communities safer and preventing future incidents of this nature.
