Gun found in Brampton traffic stop leads to charges for man under weapons ban: police

Police have laid a dozen charges against a Toronto man after finding a loaded handgun during a Brampton traffic stop.

The firearm seizure happened on Saturday around 4:30 p.m. after officers pulled over a vehicle near Hurontario Street and Sir Lou Drive, Peel Regional Police say.

That’s when police say they found a loaded handgun and a magazine containing ammunition.

Police say a 37-year-old man from Toronto, who was already prohibited from possessing firearms because of a previous criminal conviction, was arrested and charged with multiple offences.

Michael Lawrence, 37, of Toronto, has been charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.
• Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm.
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.
• Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing There Was a Firearm.
• Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized.
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
• Two counts of Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order.
• Possession of a Controlled Substance.
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
• Drive Motor Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available.
• Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a Highway without Insurance.

The accused was held pending a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice, police say. Anyone with information about this incident can contact Peel Regional Police by calling 905-453-3311. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.