Ottawa police charge man after loaded handgun found in vehicle

Above: a map of recent shootings in Ottawa's west end. Locations are approximate.

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An Ottawa man faces multiple gun-related charges after police say they found him with a loaded .45 calibre handgun during a traffic stop, after recognizing him from prior charges.

Police said the arrest happened at about 10:50 p.m.in the area of Dumaurier Avenue and Ramsey Crescent. The direct action response team, or DART unit, aided in the arrest.

The 21-year old faces nine charges related to possession of the loaded weapon and breach of probation. A 23-year-old man was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. Both men are in police custody.

While the arrests occurred in the vicinity of a number of recent shootings, police said they could not say whether it was connected to any recent investigation.

A shooting on Penny Drive on Wednesday evening was the city's 45th of the year, which is a record high.

Police chief links shootings to drug trade

On Thursday Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau said the drug trade was behind the recent spate of shootings.

"What's really impacting [the number of shootings this year] is the drug trade and the fighting for distribution networks, and so that's why we're seeing these shootings. There's a direct link to the drug trade," said police Chief Charles Bordeleau.

"The drug trade is very much active in our community, and our street gangs are very much involved, and there's a dispute over trying to control different areas within our community."

To deal with the increase, police have boosted resources in the guns and gangs and drug units, which are also working side by side.

Neighbourhood patrols have also been increased where necessary, though Bordeleau admitted on Thursday that increased police presence isn't always a solution.

Wednesday's shooting, for example, happened just moments after a police cruiser turned off the street and onto another.