Impaired driving arrest leads to seizure of loaded gun in Hamilton

The arrest of a 43-year-old man for impaired driving led to Hamilton police seizing a loaded firearm early Tuesday morning.

Police responded to a suspected impaired driver at a fast food restaurant on Cootes Drive around 4 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers say they found a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in the drive-thru with a sole, unresponsive passenger in the driver’s seat of the car.

Officers say they entered the vehicle to check on the well-being of the passenger, who was disoriented and unsteady on his feet after regaining consciousness.

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The man was arrested after police discovered drugs and “evidence to support drug use.”

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 20 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 20 pills of oxycodone.

Officers additionally found an unloaded Smith and Wesson M and P handgun, along with two magazines containing .45 calibre rounds.

Frank Curto now faces 10 charges in connection with the incident, including operation while impaired, unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm and drug charges, among others.