NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police has seized two firearms and a large quantity of drugs after a traffic stop in the City of Vaughan.
On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, shortly after 1:30 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle with two male occupants for a sobriety check that that lead to a drug investigation in the area of Steeles Avenue West and Islington Avenue. When speaking with the driver, the officer observed evidence of drugs in the vehicle. One suspect resisted arrest and attempted to disarm an officer while being placed under arrest. In the attempt to flee custody, one officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fortunately, the two suspects were unsuccessful and were apprehended by responding officers.
During the arrest, officers located a loaded gun and drugs.
The investigation led officers to execute three search warrants. Officers located a gun with a magazine carrying 6.45 calibre ammunition, a magazine carrying 9mm ammunition and 112 grams of fentanyl.
The investigation is ongoing.
CHARGED:
- Mackel Peterkin, 33, of Toronto
CHARGES:
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized x2
- Possession of a Firearm without a License x2
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing Serial Number Has Been Tampered
- Possession of a Weapon x2
- Carrying Concealed Weapon
- Obstruct Peace Officer
- Assault With Intent to Resist Arrest x2
- Assault a Peace Officer Causing Bodily Harm
- Disarming a Peace Officer
- Possession – Fentanyl
- Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession – Cocaine
- Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x2
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle x2
- Transport Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition in a Careless Manner x2
CHARGED:
- Ricardo Bernard, 31, of Toronto
CHARGES:
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm With Ammunition
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of a Firearm without a License
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle
- Possession of a Weapon
- Careless Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Fail to Comply with Court Order
- Possession – Fentanyl
- Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking – Fentanyl
- Possession – Cocaine
- Possession For The Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
“This is an excellent example of proactive policing that resulted guns and drugs being taken off our streets,” said Chief Jim MacSween. “I commend the officers’ actions and their perseverance in affecting these arrests.”
York Regional Police remains committed to combating the distribution of opioids in our community. For more information on how partners from across York Region are working together to reduce opioid harms, read the Opioid Action Plan. A video on the dangers of fentanyl is available for viewing here: https://youtu.be/uGXqlaj3mKE
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #4 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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