A Belleville man has been arrested for weapons offences after being observed with open alcohol by police on patrol downtown Cobourg.
On Monday, June 6, 2022, at 6:15 p.m., police on general patrol near George Street and Havelock Street in the Town of Cobourg, observed an individual holding an open can of beer.
Under the Liquor License Control Act (LLCA), police conducted a search of the individual and his belongings.
Officers located a loaded black Glock pellet gun, a balaclava, and a quantity of illicit cannabis.
Further investigation revealed that the accused was bound by a court order prohibiting him from possessing weapons.
As a result of the police investigation, 19-year-old Nicholas Baumhour of Belleville was arrested and charged with the following offences:
1. Having Liquor in Open Container in Unauthorized Place – Contrary to Section 41(1) of the LLCA, 2019
2. Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose – Contrary to Section 88 of the Criminal Code of Canada
3. Carry Concealed Weapon – Contrary to Section 90 of the Criminal Code of Canada
4. Two counts of Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order – Contrary to Section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada
5. Possession of Illicit Cannabis – Contrary to Section 8(1)(b) of the Cannabis Act
The accused was held pending a bail hearing later today.
Police services across Ontario continue to respond to calls and threats regarding persons using or carrying replica firearms. Cobourg Police Service (CPS) has responded to three calls for service involving replica firearms in the last month. When officers respond to a firearm or weapons call, responding officers treat them as real weapons. There is no way to tell if a firearm is authentic or a replica until an investigation is conducted.
Replica firearms, pellet guns, “air-soft” or toy guns used to commit an offence are considered firearms under the Criminal Code. Anyone, of any age, using replica firearms can be subject to serious criminal charges.
With recent events in Canada and the United States involving school threats, shootings, and replica firearms, parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their kids about the risk and consequences of purchasing, using, and carrying replica firearms
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
