Prince George RCMP responded to Fourth Avenue and Quinn Street after receiving a report of a man pointing a firearm at a taxi driver on Saturday, July 19 at about 10:30 p.m.
An officer on scene located a suspect, later identified as Clayton Gus Joseph, 38, of Prince George, and arrested him without incident.
The weapon was later determined to be an imitation firearm.
However, a search incidental to the arrest revealed a second, non-imitation firearm, as well as ammunition.
“Despite the presence of the firearm, Mr. Joseph was arrested by attending officers without further incident,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer with Prince George RCMP. "Though the firearm was later determined to be an imitation firearm, RCMP are reminding the public that a police response to an imitation firearm will elicit the same response as a real firearm."
Police say Joseph is well known to them, having been arrested in 2011 for break and enter with intent, and in 2013 in connection with a “drug-fuelled crime spree” that resulted in a two-year prison sentence.
More recently, he has faced numerous other charges, including Breach of Probation Order in 2018, wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer in 2019 and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats in 2024, in addition to others.
The following charges have been approved:
- Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order
- Possession of an imitation weapon
- Possession of a weapon
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Uttering threats
- Failing to comply with a probation order (two counts)
Joseph remains in custody until his next court appearance. The case is now before the courts.
