Kingston, Ont. police seize firearm from suspect with over 70 prior convictions

A firearm seized from a suspect with a long criminal record in Kingston, Ont. (Kingston Police/Handout)

A 41-year-old Kingston, Ont. resident with a long criminal record is facing additional charges related to firearms-related offences, police say.

Kingston Police say officers were patrolling the area of Patrick Street and Joseph Street on Friday when they began an investigation involving a person well known to police.

“During the interaction, the individual attempted to discard what appeared to be a firearm. After a brief struggle, officers arrested the suspect and recovered a 9mm semi-automatic handgun equipped with a scope,” police said in a news release Tuesday.

Police say the suspect already had over 70 prior convictions at the time of his arrest, with probation orders and weapons prohibitions coming from previous convictions for offences that include assault, weapons possession and drug possession.

“Kingston Police remains committed to identifying and arresting repeat offenders who unlawfully possess dangerous firearms used for intimidation or street-level protection. Community members are encouraged to report any information related to drug activity or weapons offences,” police say.

The suspect was arrested on charges related to resisting arrest, breach of probation and firearms offences.

They were held for a bail hearing and remain in custody.