Loaded guns found in traffic stop

A Kelowna Mountie's instincts served him well during what appeared to be a routine traffic stop Friday night in Rutland.

According to police, a member attempted to stop a grey Mercury Sable without a headlight about 10:45 Friday night on Highway 33.

The driver sped away, but police located it stopped on Davie Road.

"The male driver was seen quickly exiting the vehicle and attempting to retrieve something from the trunk," says Cst. Kris Clark.

"Concerned the driver was attempting to retrieve a weapon, the officer drew his service pistol and demanded the man stop what he was doing. The man was arrested without incident."

Clark says a search of the vehicle revealed nine firearms, four of which were loaded plus several thousand rounds of ammunition.

All the weapons were properly licenced and registered, however, Clark says they were not being transported legally.

Two other firearms were seized from the man's home.

Clark says the outcome affirms the member's actions and instincts were correct.

"That's one of the things about a traffic stop, it's the great unknown. You're pulling a vehicle over - it may have a plate on it and the plate may give you an indication of who's in there, but that's not necessarily the case," says Clark.

"You really never know who's in that vehicle, what they have in that vehicle and what their intention is. So, when you are receiving something out of the norm, when a person gets out of their vehicle quickly or aggressively, that gives you an indication something is wrong."

Clark says the suspect faces numerous charges including Flight From Police, Careless Use of a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Mischief.

Police will are also expected to apply to the courts for a forfeiture and destruction order.

If that order is granted, the weapons will be destroyed.

The unidentified man was scheduled to appear in court.