Wanted man caught with loaded handgun thanks to licence plate scanner in Mississauga, police say

A wanted suspect from Mississauga is facing weapons charges after investigators got a hit off a licence plate scanner, police say.

Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police Mississauga detachment received an alert from an automatic licence plate reader about a vehicle owned by a wanted man, police said on social media on Thursday.

Police say a loaded, prohibited handgun was located and that a 33-year-old man from Mississauga was arrested and faces weapons charges in addition to the previous warrant.

Investigators have not released the name of the accused.

Automatic licence plate reader technology has helped police catch alleged criminals on Ontario roads including recovering stolen vehicles.

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the OPP by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.