Three Handguns Seized in One Day

Police officers seized three handguns in three separate instances on March 3.

In the city’s east end, officers responded to a report of a person with a gun near Neilson Road and Sheppard Avenue. What began as a verbal dispute escalated when the suspect produced a handgun. The two struggled over the firearm before the suspect fled with the weapon.

Officers later located and arrested the suspect. A search of the man revealed a Taurus handgun with a loaded magazine and a round in the chamber.

“Our officers demonstrated courage and professionalism during this high-risk arrest,” said Superintendent LeeAnn Papizewski. “Their swift actions removed a loaded prohibited firearm from our streets and prevented further harm to our community. This is the kind of outstanding work happening every day at 42 Division and across our Service, with officers responding to dangerous calls, taking decisive action and keeping the city safe.”

In 23 Division, officers recovered a gun from a suspect wanted on multiple outstanding warrants.

Members of the Primary Response Unit responded to a call for a wanted person and obtained security video of him leaving an apartment building.

The Public Safety Response Team then took over the investigation finding more security footage of the man, and later found him in the parking garage. They attempted to arrest the man but he fled on foot. The officers caught up to him and made an arrest, recovering a loaded semi-automatic Glock handgun in his car.

“Our officers did an amazing job in identifying this individual and his location and recovering a firearm,” said Superintendent Ron Taverner. “This speaks to the number of firearms that are out on the street and what our officers need to be aware of in terms of their personal safety.”

In 43 Division, police were called after a building manager reported finding a firearm in the drop ceiling of a communal storage room. Officers recovered a loaded .40 calibre handgun and continue their investigation.