A Markham man and woman have been arrested in connection with the seizure of a "significant stockpile" of guns, weapons and explosive materials after police responded to a report of a gunshot in an apartment building in Markham Feb. 8.
On Feb. 8 at 10:50 a.m., residents of an apartment building at Elgin Mills Road East and Woodbine Avenue heard a loud bang, according to York Regional Police. Responding officers determined a gun had been fired in a unit on the building’s upper level.
The investigation revealed that a bullet went through the floor, entered a unit below, pierced through a bed, then penetrated that unit’s floor and went into yet another apartment where it struck a stereo speaker. One of the apartments was occupied at the time.
"Thankfully nobody was injured," police said.
The two occupants of the unit where the firearm had been discharged were arrested, police said.
A search warrant was executed at the apartment and officers seized more than 40 firearms consisting of handguns and long guns, a large quantity of ammunition, prohibited magazines, improperly stored explosives, as well as a crossbow and composite brass knuckles.
Kevin Lee, 43, and Ophelia Cheung, 39, are charged with: mischief endangering life; possession of a prohibited device; careless use of a firearm; unsafe storage of a firearm.
The two accused were held in custody for a bail hearing. They were scheduled to appear in the Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket Feb. 10.
"The improper handling and storage of firearms, ammunition and explosive material in this case is alarming," police said, and reminded gun owners to follow all laws, regulations and best practices.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police #5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7541, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
