Zachary McLaren: Police allegedly find drugs, weapons inside car involved in West River fatal crash

Police have revealed that a man seriously injured in a fatal crash near Ravensthorpe has been charged after methamphetamines and a rifle were allegedly found inside his vehicle in the wake of the tragedy. The crash occurred in West River — 36km west of Ravensthorpe — when a Holden Commodore sedan travelling east on South Coast Highway collided with two Honda motorcycles driving in the opposite direction about 8.40am on Sunday. Ken Topperwien, 67, was killed in the crash and his brother Lindsay, 68, was flown to Royal Perth Hospital in a serious condition and later had his right leg amputated due to his injuries. The driver of the sedan, Zachary McLaren, was also flown to RPH and underwent surgery after he sustained lower leg injuries. Esperance detectives have now revealed that Mr McLaren has been charged after they allegedly found drugs and weapons inside his smashed-up vehicle at the scene. It will be alleged that the 26-year-old from Hopetoun was travelling with more than 12g of methamphetamine, a modified rifle and ammunition, a quantity of cash and two double-edged weapons inside his car when it collided with the two motorcycles. He made a brief appearance at Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until March 21. Mr McLaren is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply, having ready access to both weapons and illegal drugs, possession of a firearm in circumstances of aggravation, possession of an unlicensed firearm or ammunition, possession of stolen or unlawfully obtained property, possession of a controlled weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon. Detective Sergeant Wayne Davies, officer-in-charge of Esperance detectives, said it was an ongoing investigation and further charges may be laid. He confirmed more than 12g of methamphetamines plus a rifle with the barrel cut down and 18 rounds of ammunition were seized.