MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON – A Wikwemikong man is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop on November 9, 2024, where he was found to be impaired and in possession of multiple firearms.
At approximately 3:45 a.m., officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Manitoulin Detachment responded to a traffic hazard complaint on Highway 540 in Burpee Township. The report indicated a pickup truck was being driven erratically. Officers located the vehicle travelling eastbound and initiated a traffic stop.
During their interaction with the driver, officers determined he had been consuming alcohol. As a result, the driver was taken to the Wikwemikong Tribal Police Service detachment for further testing. In addition to the impaired driving investigation, a search of the vehicle uncovered five firearms and ammunition, which were seized by police.
As a result of the investigation, Raymond Shawand, a 55-year-old resident of Wikwemikong, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
Impaired driving
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams
Five counts of careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device, or ammunition.
Shawand is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on January 21, 2025.
The OPP reminds the public that the careless storage of firearms and ammunition is a serious offence, and they are committed to ensuring public safety by enforcing all laws related to impaired driving and firearm storage.
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