Two men are facing several charges following a string of early-morning vehicle break-ins in the Pinewood neighbourhood and a struggle between police and a knife-wielding suspect, Prince George RCMP said Tuesday.
Crown counsel has charged Arby Lee Bai, 44, and Mathew Simon Jones, 46, each with theft under $5,000 and possession of break-in instruments. Bai also faces charges of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and willfully resisting arrest.
Prince George RCMP Cpl. Craig Douglass said the two were apprehended Friday after police were called to Jackson Crescent at about 4:20 a.m.
Jones had tried to flee on a bicycle but was arrested without incident. However, when Bai was located in a yard on Jackson and told he was under arrest, he chose to flee on a bike which he then abandoned in favour of jumping fences until he ended up on Campbell Avenue where an officer caught up with him.
Bai turned, produced a knife and pointed it at the officer who was able to free the weapon from Bai's hand, Douglass said. But Bai continued to struggle and when a second officer arrived, a second knife was observed in Bai's belt.
"Fortunately the suspect was not able to get to the knife and the officers were able to handcuff him without further incident," Douglass said.
A number of items believed to have been stolen were located and seized from the two who remain in custody following court appearances Friday. Bai's next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday and Jones's for July 18.
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