Takedown on Erie Street
Officers from Durham police’s Tactical Support Unit instruct a man to put his hands behind his back on Erie Street. The man here was later released without charges, but another is facing gun-related charges in connection with an incident earlier in the day at a King Street East apartment complex.
By Graeme McNaughton/The Oshawa Express
King Street East was shut down for more than an hour last week after a man was seen with a handgun at an apartment building.
On Wednesday, May 20 just before 4 p.m., police were called to the apartment building after a man was allegedly threatened by a male suspect with a gun. Officers from the Tactical Support Unit, as well as police helicopter Air1, were on scene.
Durham police officers search a van shortly after the arrest of an 18-year-old male. He has been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, uttering death threats, and carrying a concealed weapon.
However, after a search of the area, the male suspect was not found.
Just after 5 p.m. on Erie Street, just north of The Oshawa Express’ office, several police vehicles were seen pulling up to a van where two males were seen put into handcuffs.
Durham police have confirmed these two events.
Det. Paolo Dellipizza, the detective in charge of the investigation, says only one of the males was charged, with the other likely being let go after it was found he was not connected to the event in question.
“Sometimes what happens is if (the police officers) go into a house, they’ll just grab everybody because they’re not sure who’s got what, and they’ll pull them out,” he told The Oshawa Express. “Only one person was arrested and charged.”
Investigators now believe the gun may have been a starter’s pistol, but it was not recovered. Police later found several air pistols and an air rifle.
A van at the scene of the arrest was searched by police, although it is not known if this is where the guns were located.
An 18-year-old of King Street East has been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon, use of an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence, uttering death threats and carrying a concealed weapon.
Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to call Det. Dellipizzi at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 2766.