Police located a loaded handgun and a quantity of suspected cocaine after conducting a traffic stop for an apparent impaired driver Saturday evening.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Uniform Patrol Branch were in the area of the 400 block of North Court Street just after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9 when they observed a motorist driving in a manner that led police to suspect they were impaired.
After observing more erratic driving, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of Fort William Road.
When officers approached the driver they observed several signs of impairment. As a result, police conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, the results of which led police to suspect the motorist was impaired. Further evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert confirmed she was impaired by drug.
During their investigation of impaired driving, police learned a passenger in the woman’s vehicle was in possession of a loaded handgun.
Police seized the firearm and arrested the male passenger.
Further investigation found the suspects were also in possession of a quantity of suspected Crack cocaine.
Paten GILLMORE, 20, of Toronto, is charged with:
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying Concealed Weapon
• Possession of Firearm Knowledge its Possession is Unauthorized
• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Without Registration Certificate
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon in a Motor Vehicle
• Prohibited or Restricted Firearm With Ammunition
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
• Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order
Sherri Lynn YOUNG, 49, of Thunder Bay, is charged with:
• Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking x 2
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired
Both appeared in bail court on Sunday, Jan. 10 and were remanded into custody with future appearance dates.