Traffic Stop Leads to 60th Illegal Firearm Seized in 2026
Region of Peel - Investigators from Road Safety Services and 22 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) have arrested and charged a man after seizing an illegal handgun during a traffic stop in Brampton.
On Sunday, June 21, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop near Hurontario Street and Sir Lou Drive. During the investigation, officers located a loaded handgun and a magazine containing ammunition.
As a result, Michael Lawrence, 37, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing There Was a Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order (x2)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Drive Motor Vehicle with Cannabis Readily Available
- Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a Highway without Insurance
At the time of his arrest, Lawrence was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a previous criminal conviction. The accused was held pending a bail hearing at the Ontario Court of Justice.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact investigators with the 22 Division CIB at 905-453-2121 extension 2233. Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca
QUICK FACT
- As a result of ongoing enforcement and community safety efforts, Peel Regional Police have seized 60 firearms so far in 2026, including 26 recovered during traffic stops.
