A wanted man was arrested in Keighley after police discovered a wooden baseball bat hidden beside the driver's seat of his car.
Officers from Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team stopped a Toyota on Cavendish Street after receiving information suggesting the driver was wanted in connection with a domestic violence offence involving a woman in the town.
The driver was identified and arrested, but the investigation quickly uncovered a string of additional suspected offences.
Bat Hidden Beside Driver's Seat
After stopping the vehicle, officers carried out a search and found a wooden baseball bat tucked down the side of the driver's seat.
Police said the discovery led to the man being further arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
Sharing details of the incident, officers said: "Just when we thought we were finally ready to leave for custody, a search of the Toyota uncovered a wooden baseball bat tucked down the side of the driver's seat.
They added: "This earnt the driver his fourth offence of the night, and he was further arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon."
Further Motoring Offences Uncovered
Police said checks also revealed the man was disqualified from driving and had no insurance.
As a result, the Toyota was seized.
The arrest came after officers had initially stopped the vehicle in connection with the domestic violence enquiry.
Immigration Enquiries to Follow
The investigation did not end when the man arrived at custody.
West Yorkshire Police said further checks suggested the man may not be legally entitled to remain in the UK.
Officers said Immigration Enforcement would now carry out further enquiries.
Police Highlight Proactive Patrol
Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team said the incident arose from proactive patrols in the town centre and highlighted how a routine vehicle stop can uncover multiple suspected offences.
Anyone with information about crime or suspicious activity can contact West Yorkshire Police on 101. In an emergency, or where a crime is in progress, members of the public should call 999
FULL statement for West Yorkshire Police
A spokesperson said: "Last night, officers from Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team were patrolling the town centre when we became aware of this Toyota heading towards Keighley. With initial information suggesting the driver may be wanted for a domestic violence offence against a female in Keighley.
"The vehicle was successfully located & stopped on Cavendish Street, where the driver was confirmed to be the wanted male, and was subsequently arrested. However, things aren't always that simple, as we then established the male was also disqualified from driving and therefore had no insurance, which resulted in us seizing his vehicle.
"Just when we thought we were finally ready to leave for custody, a search of the Toyota uncovered a wooden baseball bat tucked down the side of the driver's seat. This earnt the driver his fourth offence of the night, and he was further arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
"Things still didn't end there though! As the final layer of investigation wasn't added until we arrived at police custody, where checks also revealed the male might not legally be in the country, with further enquiries to be made by Immigration Enforcement.
"Seen something suspicious? Let us know by phoning 101, or at **https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contact-us,** In an emergency, or if a crime is ongoing, always call 999!"