Drugs and loaded gun dropped on road as man flees police in Hamilton

Police found a loaded firearm and drugs after a man fled from officers in Hamilton.

The incident began after officers patrolling the Wentworth Street South and Main Street East area spotted suspicious activity near a vehicle around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Hamilton Police said.

Several people had gathered around the vehicle, police said.

Police said as they asked for the woman’s driver’s licence, they detected a strong smell of cannabis.

At this time, the male passenger began reaching for his waistband continuously, police said.

Then the male passenger abruptly exited the vehicle and fled on foot, police said.

Police said the man continued to reach for his waistband while discarding items along his path.

Officers pursued the man and found a loaded firearm, along with drugs including suspected cocaine, over six grams of fentanyl, cannabis and methamphetamine, police said.

Police said they arrested a man and woman.

A 26-year-old man from Fenwick faces several charges including possession of a prohibited firearm, drug trafficking, and proceeds of crime under $5,000.

A 36-year-old woman from Hamilton faces drug trafficking charges and drive with cannabis readily available, and drive vehicle with cannabis in an open baggie.

The names of the accused will be released once charges have been formally sworn at court, police said.

Both people are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing on Tuesday.

Anyone with information related to firearms or shootings should contact the Shooting Response Team at 905-546-4883 or email them at [email protected].

For those who wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton.