(CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES, ON) - Members from the City of Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint about a vehicle stopped in a live lane of Highway 35 at Thunderbridge Road.

On Wednesday October 15, 2025 at approximately 9:07 pm, officers were notified of a motor vehicle stopped on Highway 35 in a live lane at Thunderbridge Road. Officers located the vehicle and began conducting an investigation. The male driver was arrested and charged with 14 charges including unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Austin Dupuis, 28-year-old of Kirkfield, was charged with:

• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying Concealed Weapon
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Opioid
• Occupant of Motor Vehicle Knowing there was a Firearm
• Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammo
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine
• Possession of a Prohibited Device or Ammunition (x2)
• Possession of a Firearm knowing Serial Number has been Tampered With
• Possession of Over 30g dried Cannabis (or equivalent) in Public Place
• Have Care or Control of Vehicle or Boat with Cannabis Readily Available

The accused is being held for a Bail Hearing with the Ontario Court of Justice.