A quiet week in Oakville shattered as authorities uncovered a hidden cache of danger. Two individuals, both 27 years old, now face serious charges following a targeted investigation by the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force.
The investigation culminated in a search warrant executed on Wednesday, focusing on both a vehicle and a residence in the Trafalgar-Upper Middle Roads area. What officers discovered was deeply unsettling: a loaded handgun and a significant quantity of cocaine.
The handgun, identified as a Glock with a high-capacity drum magazine, was fully functional and accompanied by ammunition. The seized cocaine represents a substantial amount, suggesting intent for widespread distribution.
Zari Ashman and Brooke Bonazza were both arrested at the scene. They are each accused of multiple offenses, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Meanwhile, in Hamilton, a high school found itself at the center of a disturbing pattern. Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School was placed under a “hold-and-secure” protocol for the second time in just three days due to credible threats.
Police responded swiftly to the latest threat on Thursday, locking down the school as officers meticulously investigated the situation. Students and staff continued their day inside, while the perimeter remained secured.
Fortunately, after a thorough search, authorities determined there was “no active threat” to the school by mid-morning. The hold-and-secure was lifted, allowing normal operations to resume, but the incident left the community shaken.
The initial threat on Tuesday followed a similar pattern, prompting another lockdown. While that investigation initially found “no evidence to support the claims made,” the recurrence of these incidents raises serious concerns.
Investigators are currently working to determine if the two threats are connected and to assess the credibility of the latest warning. The community awaits further updates, hoping for a swift resolution and increased security measures.
