Hamilton police seize loaded sawed-off shotgun, axe outside convenience store

A Hamilton man is facing several charges after police found him with a loaded shotgun and an axe Monday.

Police said in a release they responded to a convenience store in the area of Melrose Avenue and Barton Street East around noon after receiving reports of a suspicious person with a handgun.

Upon arrival, officers instead found the man possessing a realistic-looking replica handgun, police said. A search of the suspect later yielded drug paraphernalia, an axe in his waistband and a loaded sawed-off shotgun.

A 57-year-old man has been charged with a dozen firearm-related offences.

It's the second time in four days that police have arrested someone on gun charges in the area of Melrose and Barton.

Police seized a loaded firearm, fentanyl and cocaine there on Sept. 29 after searching a suspect who wasn't complying with a release order. A 22-year-old is facing several firearm and drug charges.

Sebastian Bron is a reporter at The Spectator. sbron@thespec.com