Prince George RCMP say a repeat offender was arrested Sunday after a loaded gun was found in his backpack.
Brandon Leslie Dargatz, born 1993, remains in custody on resisting arrest and five firearms-related counts, including possessing a restricted or prohibited firearm and possessing a firearm contrary to an order.
RCMP said an officer was on routine patrol in the area of 20th Avenue and Tamarack Street when just after 8 p.m. he recognized Dargatz and knew a warrant had been issued for his arrest.
(Dargatz had been at large since May 1 on a count of escape lawful from custody or being unlawfully at large, according to court records. He had been sentenced on April 24 to 25 days in jail, served on an intermittent basis, for breaching probation).
Police said Dargatz attempted to flee on foot but was caught moments later. and a subsequent search of his backpack uncovered the firearm.
At the time of his arrest, Mr. Dargatz was under a lifetime firearms prohibition,
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper noted in a statement.
Dargatz has a lengthy criminal record made up primarily of property crimes but also includes convictions for assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
