RCMP release:

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged two people for firearms offences stemming from an investigation into suspicious activities.

On August 22 at approximately 2:00 a.m., while on routine patrols, police observed two vehicles in the parking lot of a school on Auburn Dr. Officers initiated a traffic stop, during which they observed open alcohol in the vehicles.

Officers arrested the two occupants of one of the vehicles, who were the driver and passenger, and searched the vehicle under the Nova Scotia Liquor Control Act.

During the search, officers located and seized a loaded firearm from inside the vehicle.

Markel Downey, 28, of Halifax, is charged with nine offences, including Unauthorized Possession of Firearm, Possession of Firearm Knowing Its Possession is Unauthorized, Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle.

Jessica Jennings, 25, of Halifax, is charged with seven offences, including Possession of Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Possession of Firearm in Motor Vehicle.

Both Downey and Jennings had first court appearances on August 22, and were released by the courts on conditions. Downey is scheduled to appear at Halifax Provincial Court on February 24, 2025. Jennings is scheduled to appear at Dartmouth Provincial Court on September 25, 2024.

The driver of the second vehicle did not pass a roadside breath test, used to measure blood alcohol concentration. Their licence was suspended for seven days under the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.

The investigation is ongoing.