Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant arrested with gun after failing to stop for police in northern Ont.

Ontario Provincial Police located a firearm when searching a vehicle on Highway 17, west of Bonney Bay Road, in Dryden, Ont., following an incident involving where a motorist failed to stop for officers near Sioux Lookout. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 73-year-old man from Surrey, B.C., has been arrested and charged after failing to stop for police in northwestern Ontario, leading to the discovery of a firearm and the revelation of an outstanding Canada-wide warrant.

The incident occurred at about 4 a.m. on Feb. 9, when Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers from Sioux Lookout observed a vehicle being driven unsafely on Highway 17. The driver failed to stop when signaled by police, but authorities did not engage in a pursuit at that time.

“Officers located the vehicle on Highway 17 west of Bonney Bay Road and were able to safely stop the vehicle,” OPP said in a news release.

“The driver was placed under arrest without incident or damage to any of the involved vehicles.”

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a firearm. Police also confirmed that the individual was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant during his arrest.

The accused faces multiple charges; flight from a peace officer, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, unauthorized possession of a weapon, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, careless storage of a firearm and being an occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Dryden at a later date.