Traffic stop in Ottawa for stolen plates leads to multiple drug, other charges
A traffic stop conducted after automated readers flagged stolen licence plates on a vehicle resulted in dozens of drug, weapon and other charges against two people from Ottawa early Saturday.
The Ontario Provincial Police said officers from the Ottawa detachment stopped the vehicle on Coventry Road in the east end just past midnight after being alerted to stolen licence plates by an Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera.
The investigation led to the arrest of both the driver and passenger, a news release said, adding that officers seized a replica firearm, drugs and multiple stolen pieces of identification.
Jari Manner, 43, was charged with: six counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000; possession of an imitation weapon for dangerous purpose; two counts of trafficking in Schedule 1 substances; possession of instruments for forgery; six counts of identity theft; driving a motor vehicle without a licence; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; driving a motor vehicle without a permit; and driving a motor vehicle with an open container of liquor.
Lindsay Gnass-Wetzel, 36, was charged with: six counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000; possession of an imitation weapon for dangerous purpose; two counts of trafficking in Schedule 1 substances; and six counts of identity theft.
Both are to appear in court in Ottawa at a later date.
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