Traffic stop leads to several charges against Taber man
By Lethbridge Herald on December 22, 2020.
A traffic stop Saturday by Lethbridge Police resulted in multiple drug and weapons charges against a Taber man.
With the assistance of the Downtown Policing Unit and Canine Unit, police stopped a suspicious vehicle about 5 a.m. in the 400 block of Mayor Magrath Drive North.
The driver was arrested for multiple breaches of an earlier release order. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a machete, airsoft handgun, bear spray and drugs valued at more than $3,000 including fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Andrew Hall, 39, was charged with: possession of a weapon dangerous to the public; mischief under $5,000 (damage to a police vehicle); two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a controlled substance; possession of the proceeds of crime; and four counts of failure to comply with a release order.
He was remanded in custody and was waiting a court appearance on Monday.
Meanwhile, LPS held its second Christmas Check Stop of the campaign on Saturday with no impaired drivers taken off the road and no roadside breath samples conducted.
While traffic was lighter than usual, likely attributed to mandatory health measures under COVID-19, LPS hopes the lack of impaired driving charges is also a sign that the message is getting out there and drivers are acting responsibly.
The Check Stop did result in the vehicle seizure of one suspended driver, four warrants executed for various offences, and five traffic tickets for violations including open liquor in the vehicle.
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