Stolen car leads to drug, weapons bust

Two men are facing weapon and drug charges stemming from an investigation into a stolen truck.

It all began with a 2004 dodge Dakota that was reported stolen on Friday, Dec. 11 from the Eastview neighbourhood. According to a media release, officers saw the truck being driven around the downtown around 3:19 a.m Monday. There were two men inside, who were arrested shortly after without incident.

Upon searching the truck, police found a duffel bag inside that allegedly contained a sawed-off shotgun and an “imitation shotgun.” Police also say they found a knife on one of the suspects, and drugs and cash were seized from the driver.

The two suspects are Jeffrey Babcock, 38, and Craig Machiskinic, 31. Both are charged with possession of stolen property (under $5,000), illegally storing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle.

Both are also facing additional charges. Babcock is charged with two counts of possession of a scheduled subtance (for cocaine and fentanyl, respectively). Machiskinic is charged with breaching a release order, possessing a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace (the knife), carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition.