Two Lindsay traffic stops lead to two sets of firearms charges

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Two traffic stops, within a few days of each other, have led to weapons charges for two individuals.

On Friday, April 19th, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service stated in a press release, on Thursday, April 18th, at 7:45 a.m., officers “responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle, on a residential street in Lindsay.”

“Upon arrival, police observed the vehicle was running and there was a lone male occupant asleep in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed, the male was impaired by drug and he was subsequently arrested. During the investigation, a loaded handgun, knife, drugs and $7,000 in cash were located and seized,” the release explained.

Mitchell Gilliam, 35-years old, of Lindsay, is facing charges of: operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and drugs; careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition; transporting a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner; unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm; carrying a concealed weapon; possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm; possession of a prohibited device or ammunition; possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking-Cocaine; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a Prohibition order.

On Sunday, April 21st, Kawartha Lakes Police had a similar traffic stop, in Lindsay. At 5 a.m. a traffic stop was conducted in Lindsay and “further investigation revealed there was a firearm in the vehicle.”

Brandon Watson, 41-year old, of Norland, is facing charges of: careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition; transporting a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner; unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm; occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm; driving while under suspension and failing to stop at a red light.