Whitby Man Charged With Firearm Offences After Disturbance Near Dundas and Garden

Police arrested an 18-year-old man after responding to a disturbance in Whitby on Friday, August 1, 2025, at about 1:20 p.m. The incident took place near Dundas Street East and Garden Street, according to the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).

Police said officers were called to the area after a man riding an E-scooter westbound on Dundas Street collided with another man riding a bicycle on the sidewalk. A verbal argument followed the collision, according to police reports. Bystanders told officers that one of the men involved left the scene before police arrived and discarded a backpack.

Police stated that officers located the abandoned backpack nearby and found a firearm inside. The male suspect was subsequently found and arrested without incident. He was identified by police as Jhavane Hanson, 18, of Whitby.

According to police, Hanson faces several charges: possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm knowingly not holding a licence, possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm, and two counts of possession contrary to order. Police said he was held for a bail hearing.

Durham Regional Police noted that the allegations have not been proven in court.