On Oct. 15 at about 11:20 p.m., Prince George RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a takeout pizza restaurant located on the 3100 block of Westwood Drive.
A male walked into the business, presented what appeared to be a sawed-off shotgun and demanded cash. The suspect obtained a quantity of cash and departed the area on foot.
Police responded to the call and cordoned off the area. A track commenced with a police service dog. As the track continued, a suspect armed with a loaded sawed-off shotgun was located and arrested by members of the perimeter team patrolling on foot. The arrest was made without incident in the school grounds of Westwood elementary located on the 2600 block of Vanier Drive. The suspect was bound by a court order prohibiting him from possessing firearms due to previous criminal convictions.
A charge of possession of a firearm contrary to an order have been approved against 31 year old Tyler John Hartman of Prince George. Hartman remains in custody until his next court appearance, scheduled for Oct. 26.
Police are searching for a possible change of clothing used by the suspect, and ask that members of the public finding any clothing or other suspicious items in this area - around and between the Panago Pizza and Westwood elementary school, contact us immediately.
If you have any information about this serious Criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300, or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-TIPS (8477), online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca, or Text-A-Tip to CRIMES using keyword pgtips.
