UPDATE: Loaded pistol found in Pickering traffic stop, Brampton man arrested

This article has been updated to include additional commentary from Durham Police.

A Brampton man is in custody after police say they found a gun in his car in Pickering.

A Durham Police officer pulled him over around 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 2 as part of a RIDE stop near Dillingham Road and Brock Road. When the officer reviewed the driver’s documents, they learned his license had been suspended. As a result, the officer needed to impound the car.

During a search of the vehicle, the officer allegedly found a loaded handgun behind the steering column. They also discovered a loaded extended magazine with illicit ammunition in the back of the car.

The driver, Makaile Richards, 22 of Brampton, was arrested for five gun possession charges, driving while suspended and two counts of breaching release orders. He remains in custody until a bail hearing.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2446 or 2090 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

This was one of two loaded weapons found during traffic stops this week in Durham Region. “These two incidents remind us of the dangers our officers face every time they conduct a traffic stop, and that no traffic stop is routine,” police said.

Over the last month, Durham officers have seized six weapons including four found during traffic stops. Seven people have been charged as a result, five of whom were in breach of release orders, police said.

“The long weekend is expected to be a busy one across the Region and our R.I.D.E. team will be out ensuring our roadways are safe,” police concluded, “We encourage anyone who suspects an impaired driver to call 9-1-1.”

Chief Peter Moreira added simply, “We will find you. You will be arrested.”