On Wednesday March 27, 2019 at about 2:30 in the morning, one of our officers stopped a motorhome that was being driven excessively slow on Vernon Avenue, raising concerns about the driver’s wellbeing. Once stopped, the driver was investigated for impaired driving which led officers to search the motorhome. It was during this search that two firearms were found, one of which was loaded. And on closer inspection, it was also found to have been stolen from Sooke back in 1985.
The driver, a 57 year old Saanich man, is well known to police and is currently on a court order prohibiting him from possessing firearms. He now faces several new firearms charges including possession of a loaded firearm, possession of both a restricted and prohibited firearm in a vehicle, unauthorized possession of a restricted and prohibited firearm, and unsafe transport of these firearms, along with a charge of failing to comply with his court order. He appeared before the Courts later that day and has been remanded in custody.
“This vehicle stop highlights the excellent proactive work our officers do, despite the inherent unknown risks they face in doing so“ said Sgt. Julie Fast, Public Information Officer for Saanich Police.
19-7358