Winnipeg, MB – A routine traffic stop in Winnipeg’s North End escalated into a major weapons seizure Tuesday after police arrested three individuals and recovered two firearms, cash, and suspected fentanyl.
According to the Winnipeg Police Service, North District General Patrol and Community Support Unit officers stopped a 2020 Ford Explorer just after midnight Tuesday in the 200 block of Machray Avenue. Officers had observed the vehicle commit a Highway Traffic Act infraction at the intersection of Charles Street and Machray Avenue.
Police say as the vehicle came to a stop, the driver and two passengers fled on foot. A 46-year-old male passenger was arrested nearby and allegedly found in possession of nearly $3,000 in cash and 17 grams of fentanyl.
The driver, a 37-year-old woman, and a second 46-year-old male passenger were later located at Main Street and Cathedral Avenue, where they were taken into custody without incident, police said.
During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly seized a disassembled Remington 812 12-gauge shotgun, a loaded Dan Wesson .357 revolver with a defaced serial number, and a digital scale.
Winnipeg police identified the driver as Chantell Kim Traverse, 37, who is charged with multiple firearms-related offences and failure to comply with a condition of undertaking.
Ronald Jason Leathwood, 46, faces charges including firearms offences, drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and five counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Robert Allan Thompson, 46, is charged with similar firearms-related offences.
According to police, all three suspects were detained in custody pending further disposition. The investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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