A traffic stop by police on the city’s south side Wednesday afternoon has put two Thunder Bay men into custody.

Officers were conducting traffic enforcement near Arthur Street East and Selkirk Street shortly after 5 p.m. when a white pickup truck with an obstructed licence plate slowly entered the intersection during a red light. A traffic stop was initiated after the truck was observed travelling at 70 km/h in an area where the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h.

As the officer approached the driver, several signs of impairment were noticed. As well it was discovered the driver did not have a valid driver’s licence.

A roadside sobriety test was conducted with an Approved Screening Device, and the driver failed.

Further investigation revealed four firearms along with some ammunition were in the vehicle, which were located and seized.

Both the driver and male passenger were taken into custody.

A breath sample, taken at TBPS Headquarters, confirmed the driver was impaired by alcohol.

The 26-year-old driver has been charged with the following:

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle while Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 4
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 4
• Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm x 4

Meanwhile his passenger, a 24-year-old has been charged with:

• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 4
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm x 4
• Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm x 4

Both appeared in bail court today and have been remanded into custody.