On Jan. 7, 2024, at approximately 10:55 a.m., an RCMP Eastman Traffic Services officer was doing traffic enforcement on Highway 1 in the RM of Tache when a car was spotted with no front licence plate, travelling well below the speed limit. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The car did not initially pull over and took several minutes before stopping on the side of the highway.
When the officer approached the vehicle, open alcohol was in plain sight as was drug paraphernalia consistent with methamphetamine use. The 39-year-old male driver from Winnipeg was the only occupant of the vehicle. He was arrested. Upon arrest, the officer located a handgun and ammunition in the male’s jacket. The male was on a weapons prohibition order from the court. It was also determined the vehicle was stolen out of Winnipeg and had a stolen Ontario licence plate.
Further investigation determined the lower portion of the handgun was 3D printed.
Ross Michael Ward is charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Possession of a Concealed Weapon, Breach of Conditions, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000, and a ticket for having open liquor in the vehicle. He remains in custody.
