Vernon RCMP traffic stop yields loaded handgun

Vernon RCMP have taken a firearm off the street following the seizure of a .45 calibre handgun on Monday.

Police were conducting proactive patrols in the 4300 block of 25 Avenue at around 2:45 a.m., May 31, when they saw a vehicle commit a traffic offence, according to an RCMP media release.

Officers initiated a traffic stop and discovered the motorist was prohibited from driving.

After arresting the man without incident, the fully loaded .45 calibre handgun was discovered inside the vehicle.

"This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness proactive policing initiatives have on disrupting criminal activity. This is an example of the great work being done by our officers on a daily basis and through their effort, we were able to take a loaded handgun off of our streets and out of our community,"  Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski said in the release.

The 39-year-old man has since been released from custody pending a future court appearance.

An investigation is ongoing.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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