Mississauga man drops firearm in back of police cruiser
Published October 31, 2019 at 2:34 pm
A Mississauga man is facing charges after allegedly dropping a firearm in the back of a police cruiser after being arrested for impaired driving-related offences.
Toronto police say that on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, officers responded to a radio call regarding an impaired driver in The Esplanade area. Police allege that officers found the accused sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.
Police say an investigation began and a pat-down search was conducted before the suspect individual was handcuffed and arrested for alcohol-related offences.
While transporting the suspect, officers reportedly heard the sound of something hitting the floor in the rear seat. Police say officers stopped and opened the rear door of the police vehicle and discovered a semi-automatic pistol on the floor in front of the accused.
Police say the firearm was secured, an additional search was conducted and the suspect was brought to 41 Division for breath tests and processing.
Ali Showbeg, 38, of Mississauga, faces nine criminal charges including eight firearm-related charges:
Videos
The accused will appear in court on Nov. 4, 2019.
Toronto police issued a safety notice to officers to inform of the method of firearm concealment utilized in this situation.
“The safety of our officers and the public is of paramount importance to the Toronto Police Service,” said Chief Mark Saunders.
“Our officers face risks every day in their jobs. In this case, a call for a suspected impaired driver resulted in multiple firearm-related charges against an individual who allegedly concealed the firearm during his arrest by police. The officers conducted a search of the accused and the gun was not detected. The incident is under investigation to assess if this is a training or disciplinary matter.”
A video of the suspect dropping the gun has since been leaked.
“I have ordered a full investigation into the leak of the in-car camera evidence which is a clear breach of protocol and procedure,” Saunders said.
The Professional Standards Unit of the Toronto Police Service has commenced the investigation.
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