NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE
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INNISFIL - A 21-year-old Holland Landing man is charged with speeding and stunt driving following a traffic stop in Innisfil that also led to a replica firearm being surrendered to police.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2019 around 12 p.m., South Simcoe Police Service officers observed a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed on Highway 400. A speed measurement was obtained of 159 km/h in the posted 100 km/h zone.
Police conducted a traffic stop near Innisfil Beach Road. When the driver opened the glove box to get ownership and insurance documents police observed what appeared to a firearm. Upon further investigation it was determined to be a replica handgun.
The driver was charged with stunt driving, speeding and fail to surrender ownership. His licence was suspended for seven days and his borrowed vehicle impounded for seven days.
The firearm was turned over to police for destruction. The driver was cautioned about the safety concerns for having such a realistic replica firearm in his glove box.
We are highlighting this incident to draw attention to the risks of replica firearms. When officers conduct traffic stops, they don't know who you are and often only have a fraction of a second to assess a situation.
Look at the attached photos. One firearm is an actual firearm and the other is a replica. Can you tell the difference? Put your safety and the safety of police first. We strongly discourage citizens from carrying these types of replicas when out in public. If you are legitimately transporting one of these devices advise the officer up front.
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