A Blenheim man is facing firearm-related charges following a high-risk traffic stop by police.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said officers were called to a section of Communication Road in Harwich Township at around 9:30 a.m. on Friday regarding a vehicle that was seen driving dangerously, while the driver waved and pointed a handgun at other motorists.
Authorities located the vehicle near Communication Road and Fairview Line, however, the driver attempted to flee. Officers executed a “high-risk traffic stop” due to the possible presence of a handgun. Police communicated with the driver for several minutes until he finally complied, exited the vehicle and was arrested.
While in custody, the driver became aggressive and spat on an officer.
Following a search of the vehicle, it was learned that the suspected handgun was a Glock-style BB Gun.
As a result, a 20-year-old Blenheim man is now charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, pointing a firearm, dangerous operation of a vehicle, assaulting a peace officer, and failing to comply with an undertaking. He was additionally charged with theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000 and possession of stolen property under $5,000 in connection with a separate incident involving a gas theft.
The accused was remanded into custody at the South West Detention Centre until his next court appearance.
