Firearms charges laid after OPP execute search warrant at Tillsonburg residence

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Two Tillsonburg residents are facing a slew of firearms charges following the execution of a search warrant at a home earlier this week.

According to a news release, on Thursday Oxford County OPP received complaints of suspected weapons in a residence on North Street East, in the Town of Tillsonburg.

At approximately 10:40 p.m. later that day, members of the Oxford OPP Detachment and the Oxford Major Crime Unit, with assistance from the OPP West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit, the Emergency Response Team, the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad, the Canine Unit and Explosives Disposal Unit executed a search warrant at the residence.

As a result, a 46-year-old Tillsonburg man has been charged with the following offences:

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
• Possession of prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
• Careless storage of weapon

The accused is being held for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock.

In addition, a A 44-year-old resident of Tillsonburg has also been charged with knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm.

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on June 2.

Oxford OPP Crime Unit is continuing the investigation.

There was an increased police presence on North Street East between Braun Avenue and Cranberry Road to conduct the investigation, but police have since cleared the area.

Police say updates will be provided as they become available.