What started out as a routine traffic matter turned into a search and arrest involving firearms.
On December 15, 2020, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 5, near Ste. Amelie, when a vehicle passed going 147 km/hr in the 100 km/hr zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop, however the vehicle refused to stop and fled.
The vehicle was located a short time later, abandoned at a dead end on road 134 N. Inside the vehicle officers located ammunition along with a driver’s licence.
Officers conducted police checks on the licence and found that the person was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Officers were cautious as they believed the suspect may be in possession of a firearm.
Officers followed the footsteps in the snow, which led them to a farm house. Upon speaking with the homeowner, it was found that a male had attended the residence and asked for help. The male was picked up by someone in a truck.
Officers located the truck and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped, and the passenger immediately exited the vehicle yelling and aggressively coming towards officers. The male was confirmed to be the same person as on the driver’s licence. The male charged at officers and a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed. The male was arrested and continued to be combative and assaulted the officers, and damaged the police vehicle.
The vehicle driver was initially arrested, but was later released with no charges.
Officers searched the suspect vehicle and located a loaded firearm.
Cody Zastre, 32, of Laurier, has been charged with:
· Flight from Police
· Possession of a Firearm while Prohibited
· Possession of Ammunition while Prohibited
· Possession of a Firearm knowing it’s Possession is Unauthorized
· Assault on a Police Officer x2
· Resisting Arrest
· Possession of a Firearm in a Vehicle when Unauthorized
· Mischief
He was also charged under the Highway Traffic Act for Speeding, Drive while Unregistered, Drive without Insurance and Fail to Display Licence Plate.
He has been remanded into custody. Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP continue to investigate.
