Investigation Results in Firearms and Ammunition Seizure

On Wednesday October 30th 2024, the Major Case Action Team (MCAT) concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a Sarnia resident and the seizure of two firearms, ammunition […]

On Wednesday October 30th 2024, the Major Case Action Team (MCAT) concluded an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a Sarnia resident and the seizure of two firearms, ammunition and a ballistic vest that had an old Sarnia Police Crest sewn on the front of it.

At about 6:00 PM, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and MCAT conducted a high risk traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Russell Street and Durand Street in the the city of Sarnia where the male driver was arrested for  unauthorized possession of a weapon. 

A search warrant was subsequently executed at a home on Devonshire Road where the following items were seized:

• Loaded .380 calibre Taurus handgun
• Leather holster
• Black tactical vest with an old Sarnia Police Service Crest sewn on it
• Blue ballistic vest
• .22 Caliber Cooey rifle
• 5 shotgun shells
• 28 rounds of .380 calibre hollow point ammunition (10 of which were in a magazine inserted into the Taurus handgun)
• 1 round of 9mm ammunition

A 46-year-old of Sarnia was held for a bail hearing charged 15 firearms related offences.  The breakdown of charges are as follows:

• Careless storage of a firearm, contrary to S. 86(1) of the Criminal Code. (2 counts)
• Careless storage of ammunition, contrary to S. 86(1) of the Criminal Code. (3 counts)
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to S. 88(1) of the Criminal Code. (2 counts)
• Possession of ammunition for a dangerous purpose, contrary to S. 86(1) of the Criminal Code. (3 counts)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to S. 91(1) of the Criminal Code. (2 counts)
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to S. 92(1) of the Criminal Code. (2 counts)
• Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, contrary to S. 95(1) of the Criminal Code. (1 count)

“Another successful investigation by our MCAT officers with a successful and safe high risk arrest by our Emergency Response Team.  More weapons are now off our streets with the offender now before the courts. 

This combination of weapons and a ballistic vest with police insignia is obviously extremely concerning.  The seized police flash is a historical one that has not been in use for many years.  It is not a police issued vest nor a likeness of current police equipment or insignias. 

The possession of police flashes on its own is not an offence.  They are available with collectors and others in the public.  However, anyone found to be personating a police officer (Criminal Code sec 130) would face charges as it clearly endangers both officers and the public.” 

Chief of Police Derek Davis