Handgun Located in Stolen Vehicle After Traffic Stop in Pickering

A male is in custody after police seized a firearm during a traffic stop in Pickering.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., members of West Division were proactively patrolling in the parking lot of The Shops at Pickering City Centre located at 1355 Kingston Road. Officers located a suspicious vehicle and checked the licence plate, which belonged to a different vehicle.

Officers conducted a traffic stop, and further investigation revealed the vehicle was stolen. During the attempted arrest, the male suspect fled the scene on foot. With the assistance of Air1, the suspect was located a short distance away and taken into custody without incident.

During a scene of crime examination, an officer located a firearm inside the stolen vehicle.

Zachary BRUNO, age 21, from Toronto, is charged with numerous offences including: Occupy Motor Vehicle With Firearm; Possess Firearm Other Than Restricted Or Prohibited Firearm; Obstruct/ Resist A Peace Officer; Posses Property Obtained By Crime Over $5000; Breach Of Probation and Fail To Comply With Release Order.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact West Division at 905-579-1520 ext 1901.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

The information in this media release contains facts and circumstances that have been obtained from a police investigation.  These allegations have yet to be proven in court.