Halifax police seize loaded handgun after arresting driver for alleged hit and run

A Halifax Regional Police car is pictured in an undated file image. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A 25-year-old man is facing multiple charges after Halifax police seized a loaded handgun in a vehicle early Sunday morning.

Halifax Regional Police responded to a reported hit and run on Blowers Street around 3:10 a.m. A caller said a man driving an SUV struck her vehicle’s side mirror and didn’t stop.

“Officers quickly located the vehicle on Quinpool Road, activated their emergency lights and sirens and conducted a traffic stop,” a news release from police reads. “Officers arrested the driver without incident.”

Police say they searched the vehicle and found a loaded handgun and ammunition.

Taevon Downey is scheduled to appear in court to face charges of:

• failure to stop after an accident
• dangerous operation of a conveyance
• possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
• carrying concealed weapon
• storing firearm or restricted weapon contrary to regulations
• unauthorized possession of a firearm
• possession of a firearm in a vehicle
• possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• possession of a firearm – no licence/certificate
• possession of a prohibited device or ammunition obtained by crime
• tampering with serial number on firearm

Downey received a seven-day provincial suspension on his driver’s licence.

“The initial caller was also issued an impaired, 7-day provincial suspension of their license for having blood alcohol content between 50 mg% and 79 mg%,” the release reads.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page