RCMP seize AR15 and other firearms during stop

What started as an impaired driving complaint in Kelowna led to police having to deal with armed suspects who refused to surrender peacefully.

Officers were called to a parkade in the 1900 block of Pandosy Street on Sunday (July 31) for a possible impaired driver, and found a red Mercedes-Benz with mismatched licence plates.

“When members approached the vehicle, the occupants refused to comply with police commands and attempted to flee. Members were able to block the vehicle and prevent it from escaping,” said RCMP Sgt. Kevin Duggan.

Two males were arrested: one who had a mandatory firearms prohibition and was already on judicial release for fentanyl possession who was carrying a loaded, stolen handgun. Police say he climbed into the trunk of the vehicle, attempting to hide from police.

“He was extricated from the trunk, and multiple loaded firearms were located within arms reach of him,” said Duggan.

The other man was also subject to a mandatory firearms prohibition, and was on probation with a condition not to possess any weapons.

One police officer suffered minor injuries during the arrest, and was treated and released from hospital.

The seized firearms included an AR15 style rifle, with a 30-round high-capacity magazine, a loaded pump-action shotgun, a SKS style semi-automatic rifle, a .30 caliber semi-automatic rifle, a replica double barrel shotgun (determined to be a paint ball gun), and a replica pistol.

A large amount of drugs were also seized, believed to include crack cocaine, methamphetamine, GHB, and cannabis.

The car also contained what appears to be stolen property.

Charges are pending as the investigation continues.