Surrey (Canada): Surrey Police have arrested an 18-year-old Punjabi youth after he allegedly tried to flee a police checkpoint. An illegal 9mm pistol was recovered from his vehicle.

The accused has been identified as Parmveer Singh Deol, a resident of Surrey. According to police, he was driving a white Porsche when officers signalled him to stop during a vehicle-checking operation on Diwali night.

Surrey Police spokesperson Sergeant Ali Gales said officers were checking drivers for impaired driving when they noticed the speeding vehicle. Instead of stopping when signalled, the driver allegedly accelerated and attempted to flee. Police managed to stop the car a short distance away.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an illegal 9mm pistol. The 18-year-old was arrested and charged under eight different criminal provisions.

He is scheduled to appear before a judge in court next week.