Loaded handgun seized during traffic stop in downtown Kelowna

A loaded handgun was recovered from a suspect during a traffic stop in downtown Kelowna last weekend.

A Traffic Services officer working in the downtown area saw a driver using a cell phone at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, according to an RCMP media release.

The officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Queensway Avenue and during the traffic stop the officer learned the driver was prohibited from driving.

The driver attempted to flee the scene and resisted arrest before he was safely taken into police custody, RCMP said.

While searching the driver, officers located a loaded handgun and a small amount of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine.

“This is a clear example of the dangerous types of situations our police officers are faced with while performing their regular duties,” Kelowna RCMP media relations officer, Cpl. Tammy Lobb said in the release.

“The downtown core was very busy on Saturday and this incident occurred close to Stuart Park where many citizens had gathered for the rally. Learning that an individual was driving around our community at this time with a loaded firearm is unnerving."

Cpl. Lobb told iNFOnews.ca that there was no evidence to suggest that the individual was part of the rally.

Daniel Legue, 27, was remanded into custody and is facing numerous possession charges related to the firearm, cannabis and substances found, along with charges related to driving while prohibited and using an electronic device while driving.

— This story was corrected at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, to clarify the traffic stop took place Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022.

— This story was updated at 2:21 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, to add more information from the RCMP.

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