Police closed in and arrested a man on Thursday who stole merchandise from the Pine Centre Mall, threatened security personnel, caused a scene in public, evaded police, resisted arrest, but was eventually cornered in a wooded area at the south end of Carrie Jane Gray Park.
"There were threats to use a firearm, threats to the security guards at the mall who attempted initially to subdue him," said Prince George RCMP Cpl. Ken Landry, praising them for their professional handling of the early stages of the incident.
"They have no weapons to defend themselves and this is what they face day in and day out."
RCMP were called and a large contingent set up a perimeter around the area, then closed in until the suspect was in custody. Several members and a dog unit were used to find him in the bush.
"He was arrested with merchandise we believe to be stolen property from the mall," said Landry.
He urged everyone to come forward who may have encountered an agitated adult male at the mall, in the parking lot as he fled the scene, or on the highway as he crossed over into the forest, even if it was just a glimpse in passing. He may also have been in more than one mall business, so staff and customers are urged to call if they possibly have any information about that.
The first call for police help came at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
Prince George RCMP can be contacted at 250-561-3300.
