Collision in Sudbury leads to suspect hiding in a closet and the discovery of weapons, drugs

Greater Sudbury police discovered weapons and ammunition at a residence in Chelmsford. (Photos courtesy of Greater Sudbury Police)

A suspect who failed to remain at the scene of an accident near Chelmsford late last month is now facing numerous weapons and drug charges.

The incident took place on MR35 on Nov. 29 when a sedan sideswiped another vehicle that was travelling west.

"The driver of the sedan refused to pull over," Sudbury police said in a news release Monday.

The driver followed the sedan to a parking lot on Highway 144 in Chelmsford, "where the community member confronted the driver asking for their driver’s licence and insurance," police said.

"The driver of the sedan went inside the residence prior to police arrival."

Police arrived and were granted entry into the residence by a tenant.

"Officers located the individual believed to be the driver hiding in a closet," police said.

"Upon placing the individual under arrest, officers located a bag containing a firearm, magazine, ammunition and a container with what is believed to be crack cocaine where the individual was hiding."

Police received permission to search the resident and found a loaded sawed-off shotgun.

The next day, police returned with a search warrant and located ammunition and drugs they believe to be fentanyl.

A 36-year-old has been charged with weapons offences, drug possession, failing to stop at the scene of an accident, driving while suspended, two counts of failing to comply with a release order, among other offences.

The investigation led police to conclude the tenant was aware that the weapons were in the residence. A 25-year-old from Toronto has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and careless use of a weapon.

Both individuals were held in police custody and attended Bail Court on Nov. 30.