A man is facing several charges after Lacombe police found suspected drugs and a loaded firearm during a traffic stop over the weekend.
Police say the stop took place around 1:40 a.m. on July 27 at the intersection of 52nd Avenue and 51st Street, after officers observed a violation under the Traffic Safety Act.
While speaking with the driver, officers noticed suspected drugs on the vehicle’s centre console and signs consistent with drug use. The driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a loaded .22-calibre handgun concealed beneath the centre console.
William Harder, 39, of no fixed address, is charged with two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, unsafe storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
He was held for a judicial interim release hearing and has since been released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Red Deer provincial court on Aug. 13.
Lacombe police are reminding the public of the ongoing risks associated with illegal drug use and the serious consequences of unlawfully possessing firearms.
Anyone with information about this incident or other criminal activity is asked to contact Lacombe Police Service at 403-782-3279 or their local police agency. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
** With information from Lacombe Police.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.
CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app