Police Recover Firearm During a Vehicle Stop and Search Incident on Mary Street

Just after 1AM on Sunday, 5 May, police had cause to stop and search two vehicles that appeared to have been traveling together along North Church Street. The vehicles eventually came to a stop on Mary Street in the vicinity of McField Lane and after interacting with the drivers of both vehicles, it became apparent to the officers that the men were intoxicated.

The officers searched both vehicles and in one of the vehicles, which had two male occupants, a black handgun was found and recovered as evidence. As a result, the two men travelling in this vehicle, ages 24 and 27, both of West Bay, were arrested on suspicion of possession of an unlicensed firearm.  Both remain in custody pending further investigation.

During the search of the second vehicle, nothing illegal was recovered at that time, however, both vehicles were recovered as evidence by the officers.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 31-year-old-man also of West Bay, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, driving whilst disqualified and other driving offences. He was later bailed as investigations continue.

The two men have since been formally charged by the police.

Both men, ages 24 and 27 of West Bay, have been jointly charged with Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm and Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm (Ammunition). They were scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.