Vehicle stop for impaired turns into seizure of weapons

On December 15, 2023 at approximately 2:17p.m., Saugeen Shores Police took a report of a suspected impaired driver in the area of North Rankin Street and Turner Street. Saugeen Shores Police attended the location and observed the vehicle driving through a parking lot of a local business. A traffic stop was conducted and it was observed that the driver was displaying the usual signs of impairment.

The driver was placed under arrest for Operation While Impaired. He was handcuffed to the rear and a search incident to arrest was conducted.

During this time Police observed a large gun cabinet and ammunition box inside the vehicle along with several cans of alcohol. A search of the vehicle was completed and several firearms were located. A check on the male driver revealed that he was currently on a Firearms Prohibition.

He was transported back to the Saugeen Shores Police Station where he provided two samples of breath registering over 3x the legal limit.

As a result of this investigation a 37-year-old male of Port Elgin has been charged with the following offences :

– Operation While Impaired
– Operation While Impaired (80+)
– Possession of Firearms contrary to Prohibition Order x 9
– Possession of Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order
– Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
– Careless Transportation of Firearm

The male is being held in custody for a Bail Hearing. 9 Firearms have been seized and will remain in Police Custody during this investigation.

Investigation is ongoing.