Hamilton Police responded to complaints of an impaired driver and located a sawed-off shotgun.

On Sunday, February 12, 2023, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Hamilton Police received reports of a possible impaired driver in the area of Barton Street and Sanford Avenue.

Hamilton Police responded to the area, located the vehicle and after investigation, arrested the driver for impaired driving. During the search of the vehicle, police located a sawed off shotgun.  

The 37-year-old male driver has been charged with;

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired by Drug.
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon.
• Occupant of a Motor Vehicle Knowing There was a Firearm.
• Possession of a Prohibited Firearm.
• Fail to Comply with a Probation Order X2

Thank you to the members of the community that recognized the signs of an impaired driver and took action to report it to police. By doing so, you helped stop a possible collision that could have injured or even killed someone.

On August 15, 2019, shortly before 12:00 a.m., police were proactively patrolling the area on King Street East and Barnesdale Avenue South when a male and female suspiciously peering into a parked car window were directed to stop. The female obeyed the command while the male cyclist fled on his bike. During the attempted escape Police noticed the male was clutching at something in the area of his waistband while cycling away.

The male was quickly located a short distance away on King Street East and placed under arrest due to safety concerns. During the search of the male, a loaded sawed-off shotgun was found tucked in the front waistband of his pants. 

The male was taken into custody with his bail opposed. He is scheduled to appear in court later today to answer to several firearm-related charges.

Charged:

Richard Fester (37-years-old) No fixed address

Charges:

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Prohibited Firearm, Loaded, Unloaded
• Prohibited Firearm, Ammunition Accessible
• Careless Use, Carry, Transport, Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Ammunition

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact East End Patrol Staff Sergeant’s office at (905) 546-2963.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com