The Toronto Police Service is informing the public of firearm and impairment charges.
On Sunday, October 27, 2019, officers responded to a radio call regarding an impaired driver in The Esplanade area. Officers located the accused sitting in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle. An investigation began, a pat down search was conducted and the individual was handcuffed and arrested for alcohol related offences.
On transport of the individual, officers heard the sound of something hitting the floor in the rear seat. Officers stopped and opened the rear door of the police vehicle and discovered a semi-automatic pistol on the floor in front of the accused. The firearm was secured, an additional search was conducted and the individual was brought to 41 Division for breath tests and processing.
Ali Showbeg, age 38, of Mississauga, faces nine criminal charges including eight firearm-related charges:
- Operation of a Conveyance While Impaired C.C 320.14 (1) (a)
- Fail or Refuse to Provide Sample C.C 320.15 (1)
- Possession of a Weapon C.C 88 (1)
- Possession of Prohibited Ammunition C.C 88 (1)
- Carry Concealed Weapon C.C 90 (1)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm C.C 91 (1)
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized C.C 92 (2)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle C.C 94 (1)
- Possession Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order 117.01 CC X 3
The individual will appear at the College Street court on November 4, 2019.
The Toronto Police issued a safety notice to officers to inform of the method of firearm concealment utilized in this situation.
“The safety of our officers and the public is of paramount importance to the Toronto Police Service,” said Chief Mark Saunders. “Our officers face risks every day in their jobs. In this case, a call for a suspected impaired driver resulted in multiple firearm-related charges against an individual who allegedly concealed the firearm during his arrest by police. The officers conducted a search of the accused and the gun was not detected. The incident is under investigation to assess if this is a training or disciplinary matter.”
Chief Saunders continued, "I have ordered a full investigation into the leak of the in-car camera evidence which is a clear breach of protocol and procedure,". The Professional Standards Unit of the Toronto Police Service has commenced this investigation.
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