Greater Sudbury Police turned up a pipe bomb following a traffic stop in downtown Sudbury Saturday night.
Just after 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28, while on general patrol in the area of Elm Street at Elgin Street, Greater Sudbury Police Service officers observed a motor vehicle bearing a licence plate that was not authorized, and subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.
During the traffic stop, officers discovered open alcohol inside the vehicle. A subsequent search was conducted on the vehicle and on the three individuals occupying the vehicle.
During the searches, police located a pipe bomb in the trunk of the vehicle.
GSPS officers immediately set up containment of the area to ensure public safety. The Emergency Response Unit and Explosive Disposal Unit arrived on scene to safely seize the explosive device and transport it to a safe location.
All three individuals were taken into police custody without incident and transported to GSPS headquarters for further investigation.
The driver of the vehicle, a 26-year-old man, has been charged with the following offences:
- Possession of an Explosive contrary to Section 82(1) of the Criminal Code
- Failure to Comply with Release Order contrary to Section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Use Plate Not Authorized for Vehicle contrary to Section 12(1)(d) of the Highway Traffic Act
- Drive Motor Vehicle with Open Container of Liquor contrary to Section 42(1)(a) of the Liquor Licence Control Act
He was held in police custody and attended Weekend and Statutory Holiday (W.A.S.H.) court to answer to the charges.
A 19-year-old woman was also charged with the following offences:
- Possession of an Explosive contrary to Section 82(1) of the Criminal Code
- Failure to Comply with Release Order contrary to Section 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code
- Owner Permit Operation of Motor Vehicle on a Highway - No Insurance contrary to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act Section 2(1)(b)
She was released on an undertaking with a court date of October 30th, 2024 to answer to the charges.
A third individual, a 17-year old youth, was released unconditionally.
“The Greater Sudbury Police Service extends its gratitude to members of the public for your co-operation and patience while police conducted the initial investigation,” said a press release.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing and anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at 705-675-9171.
