STITTSVILLE – Ottawa police seized a loaded weapon this morning (July 20) after observing two men “lurking” in a Stittsville neighbourhood.

“Overnight, frontline officers observed two men lurking in a Stittsville neighborhood,” the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) released in a statement today.  “At approximately 4 a.m. today, an officer saw two men walking together in the area of Steventon Crescent and Delamere Drive. Approximately 25 minutes later, they were observed coming out of two nearby separate driveways.”

The two men were arrested at the scene for trespassing by night and officers located and seized a sawed-off, loaded shotgun as well as stolen property.

As a result, West Criminal Investigations charged Lochiel McCarthy, 19 of Ottawa, with carry a concealed weapon, along with other weapons related offences as well as possess proceeds of property obtained by crime and prowl at night. He is scheduled to appear in court today.

Colm Lesage, 18 of Ottawa, is charged with prowl at night as well as possession of stolen property. He was released on a promise to appear.

This is the 62nd crime gun seized in 2020.

“We remind Ottawa residents that if they suspect someone is carrying a crime gun they should contact the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050,” the OPS said.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.