Loaded Firearm Seized During Bowmanville Traffic Stop

A male is facing charges after officers located a loaded firearm in his vehicle following a traffic stop in Bowmanville.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at approximately 3:40 p.m., members of the East Division Community Response Unit were on proactive patrol and initiated a traffic stop in the area of Liberty Street South and Lake Road. While speaking with the driver, officers observed signs of impairment and made a roadside demand for a breath sample. The driver registered a fail on the ASD and was arrested.

During a search of the suspect, officers located a quantity of drugs. A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers located a loaded firearm which was also seized.

At the time of his arrest the accused was bound by a weapons prohibition.

Donovan WENDT, age 34 from Oshawa is charged with: Possess Restricted/Prohibited Firearm – No Licence, Possess Restricted/Prohibited Firearm Knowingly No Authority, Unlicensed Possession of Prohibited/Restricted Firearm, Possess Firearm While Prohibited, Possess Firearm with Altered Serial Number, Occupy Vehicle with Firearm, Possess Schedule 1 Substance x2, Novice Driver Above Zero Blood Alcohol Content and Fail to Comply with Release Order.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with cell phone, dash cam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact Cst. Walker of the East Division Community Response Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2411.

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. 

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