PUSLINCH – On Dec. 31 around 12:55am the Wellington County OPP were conducting RIDE checks on Brock Road south where they investigated the driver of a southbound sedan that entered into the checkpoint. While speaking with the driver, police detected the strong odour of cannabis emanating from inside the vehicle.
The driver was directed to move the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, which they did briefly, prior to accelerating away at a high rate of speed. The vehicle continued eastbound on Gilmour Road at a speed well in excess of the posted 60 km/h, where police lost sight of it. Police approached the intersection of Victoria Road and Gilmour Road where they observed the vehicle approximately 100 metres into the field and up against several trees after it failed to stop at the stop sign. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to evade police however, was taken into custody without incident.
Officers searched the vehicle incident to arrest and seized a loaded handgun as well as a large quantity of methamphetamine and cash. Further investigation revealed that the accused was bound by three different orders prohibiting them from possessing any weapon.
Seyed Amir Hossein Yaghoubi-Araghi, 28, of Richmond Hill faces the following charges:
· Flight From Police Officer contrary to the Criminal Code
· Dangerous Operation contrary to the Criminal Code
· Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by a Crime Under $5000 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to a Prohibition Order X3 contrary to the Criminal Code
· Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
The accused was remanded into custody pending the outcome of show cause hearing.
