The alleged attempted abduction of a woman in Hanover led to a high risk takedown and the seizure of several weapons.
Hanover police were called about prowlers in the backyard of a residence on 14th Avenue around 2 a.m. on Sunday. The men, reportedly armed with weapons, did not get inside the home and took off before police arrived.
Shortly after, officers spotted the suspect vehicle and attempted to stop it. The vehicle did not stop and police ended up boxing it in with their cruisers. Three suspects were arrested at gunpoint, police said.
A search of the vehicle turned up two loaded sawed off shotguns, a full-length loaded shotgun, a folding .22 calibre “Life card” single shot pistol, and a prohibited knife. Police noted the pistol has never been legally sold in Canada. Additionally, police seized more than $5,500 worth of suspected fentanyl, more than $1,100 worth of suspected cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, $500 cash, and stolen property linked to break and enters in Hamilton.
A fourth suspect, who allegedly took off from the vehicle before it was stopped by police, was arrested by Owen Sound police without incident on Monday.
Investigators believe the men were at the home in Hanover to abduct the former girlfriend of one of the men. Fortunately, the woman knew the men were searching for her in the days leading up to the incident and had gone into hiding.
A 24-year-old man from Kitchener is charged with 17 offences including flight from police, trespassing, unauthorized possession of a firearm and weapons possession of stolen property, and possession of proceeds of crime.
An 18-year-old man from South Bruce Peninsula and an 18-year-old from Owen Sound are each charged with 14 offences including unauthorized possession of firearms and weapons, careless use of a firearm, and trespassing.
A 31-year-old man from Owen Sound is charged with 34 criminal and drug-related offences including conspiracy to commit kidnapping, criminal harassment, trafficking in firearms, trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of firearms contrary to a prohibition order, trespassing, and possession of weapons for a dangerous purpose .
According to police, the investigation is ongoing and officers are actively canvassing the area speaking with witnesses and neighbours. They are also reviewing video footage.
Investigators are also looking to speak with another person who was allegedly providing information on the whereabouts of the woman and her vehicle in the days leading up to the incident. Police urge that person to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-364-2411 or Crime Stoppers of Grey Bruce at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
