Police searching for guns found what they were looking for, along with a disturbing family scenario when they raided a home on Quince Street this past weekend. A toddler was also among the drugs and weapons found inside.
Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass said several break-and-enters in the rural surrounding area seemed to indicate thieves looking specifically for firearms. On Saturday, Mounties went looking for these same guns in the 2000 block of the downtown residential neighbourhood.
"Eight firearms were recovered by police," said Douglass. "All of the firearms are believed to have been stolen."
Particularly concerning to police was how "several of the firearms were loaded and readily accessible by the occupants," he added.
Police are now attempting to trace the guns back to the rightful owners, and cross-reference them to any break-and-enter incidents.
"Yes, we believe we know which break-and-enter some of these came from and are working with the owner to positively identify them," Douglass said.
Also in the house was enough marijuana to make an estimated 600 joints, plus paraphernalia typically used for drug trafficking.
"Seven people were located by police [at the residence]," said Douglass. "Two adult males, ages 26 and 20, one 19-year-old female, and one 16-year-old female were taken into custody. A 27-year-old man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. An adult female with a two-year-old child was released without charges."
Douglass would not expand on the relationship between the child and the activities of the house, but acknowledged that the presence of a two-year-old caused extra emotional reaction among police.
"The Ministry of Children and Family Development was notified and whatever they wish to do, that is up to them," he said. "They expressed great concern to us at the time, but how they proceed is up to them."
The four for whom charges are pending have been released on strict living conditions, with a March 7 court date. A fifth person already behind bars at Prince George Regional Correctional Centre is also being investigated for possible involvement.
RECOVERED IN THE RAID:
- Marlin 39D .22 lever action rifle
- Remington 878 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun
- Marlin 336 30-30 lever action rifle
- Sureshot 410 break action/single shot shotgun
- Lee Enfield .303 bolt action rifle
- Cooey 39 .22 bolt action rifle
- Cil 470 .22 semiautomatic rifle
- Rohm 9mm semiautomatic pistol
