A 38-year-old Toronto man is facing impaired driving and multiple firearm charges after fleeing a traffic stop in Ajax and being found with a loaded handgun tucked in his waistband. Durham Regional Police arrested Roy Palmer on June 3, 2026, near Audley Road and Kerrison Drive after a brief search involving the police helicopter.
Officers pulled Palmer over around 7:40 p.m. and noticed signs of impairment. When asked to step out of the car, he sped off. Following their pursuit policy, officers did not chase the vehicle. Instead, the AIR1 helicopter was called in and tracked Palmer after he abandoned his car and was picked up by another driver.
A second traffic stop was made, and Palmer was taken into custody. During the arrest, police found a loaded firearm with a laser sight and a prohibited extended magazine in his waistband. At the time, Palmer was already under a lifetime weapons ban. He was held for a bail hearing.
Palmer now faces 11 charges, including impaired operation, dangerous operation, flight from a peace officer, and multiple firearm-related offences such as possessing a loaded firearm and possessing a firearm contrary to a prohibition order. The Durham Regional Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact Const. Noguera Aviles of West Division.
The arrest highlights ongoing worries in Ajax about road safety and illegal guns. Ontario introduced tougher impaired driving penalties on January 1, 2026, including longer licence suspensions.
