A Chatham man is facing several firearm-related charges that started with him trying to avoid a RIDE program late Saturday night.
According to police, officers were conducting a RIDE program on Thames Street in Chatham when they noticed a vehicle try to avoid police. Officers proceeded to initiate a traffic stop with the vehicle on Grant Street.
As a result and through further investigation, the 41-year-old driver was arrested and charged with the following offences when drugs and a loaded firearm was allegedly found in his possession:
•Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
•Unauthorized Possession in Motor Vehicle
•Possession Contrary to prohibition Order (firearm)
•Possession Contrary to prohibition Order (firearm)
•Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
•Careless Use of Firearm Section
•Carry a Concealed Weapon
•Possession of a Firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
•Possess Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
•Possession of Firearm Knowing the Serial Number has Been Tampered With
•Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of an Offence
•Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
•Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Schedule 1 Substance (Methamphetamine)
According to police, in March of 1999 and again in March of 2014, the accused was placed on conditions not to possess any weapons or ammunition.
Following Saturday's arrest, the man was transported to Chatham-Kent Police Service Headquarters where he has been held for a bail hearing. None of the charges have been proven in court.