A man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly fired a gun in downtown Windsor last weekend — leading to his arrest with more than half a kilogram of suspected cocaine.
Joshua Gillespie, 27, of Windsor, has been charged with intentionally discharging a firearm, pointing a firearm, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.
Gillespie has also been charged with two counts of assaulting police and one count of resisting arrest after he tussled with officers when they attempted to bring him into custody.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, investigators anticipated Gillespie would also be charged with drug-related offences.
Windsor police were contacted on the morning of May 5 by a man who said he witnessed the accused brandish a gun and fire a single shot several hours earlier.
The shot was allegedly fired around 1:50 a.m. outside a business in the area of Chatham Street West and Pelissier Street.
Chatham Street West at Pelissier Street is shown in this 2017 Google Maps image.
Officers later spoke to the owner of a Ford SUV that had been parked in the area overnight. The vehicle was found to have damage to its windshield and dashboard consistent with a bullet.
Forensics officers examined the vehicle and confirmed that it had been struck with a projectile.
A suspect was identified. Police learned he was possibly staying in a hotel in the 2500 block of Howard Avenue.
Patrol officers attended the hotel around 1:20 p.m. The accused was located inside. A brief struggle took place before Gillespie was placed under arrest.
The next day, officers obtained a warrant to search the room in the hotel where the accused had been staying.
Police discovered and seized 592.1 grams of suspected cocaine, 16 fentanyl patches, and 1.6 grams of suspected marijuana.
No firearm was found.
The Major Crimes Branch is continuing to investigate.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.
Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.