Impaired driving arrest leads to seizure of loaded firearm

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE 

Case #: 26-75631 

Impaired driving arrest leads to seizure of loaded firearm 

A 30-year-old man is facing multiple charges after Windsor Police officers arrested him for impaired driving and seized a loaded firearm from inside his vehicle. 

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on July 7, 2026, officers responded to the 4300 block of Walker Road to check on the well-being of a motorist. A complainant reported that the man in the driver’s seat appeared to be unresponsive. 

Upon arrival, officers located a man slumped over the centre console. They also saw open alcohol and items consistent with drug use inside the vehicle. After waking the man, officers noted clear signs of impairment and arrested him for impaired driving. 

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a loaded semi-automatic handgun, magazines, and 9 mm ammunition. 

Joseph Anthony Tartaro, 30, of LaSalle, has been charged with: 

•    Operation while impaired by a drug 

•    Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm 

•    Careless storage of a firearm 

•    Occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm 

Tartaro was also issued a Provincial Offences Notice under the Liquor Licence and Control Act for having care and control of a vehicle containing an unsealed container of liquor. 

If you or someone you know is an affected person in need of support, please contact Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County at 519-723-2711 or the Windsor Police Service Victim Assistance Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4879.