A man known to the police and courts is in custody on suspicion of carrying a loaded and stolen handgun.
Police are recommending seven charges against Julien Nassem Lazarre, 21, from a Wednesday morning arrest that began when Prince George RCMP's street crew unit were called to a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 1400 block of Carney Street.
Officers happened upon Lazarre and another man known to police, Devin Albert Olson, 31. They "immediately tried to flee the area on foot when told to stop," RCMP said.
Both were apprehended after a brief foot chase and one was found with an empty holster beneath his clothing. An RCMP dog and handler were called in and found the gun nearby, police said.
Police are recommending Lazarre be charged five firearms-related counts as well as counts of possessing stolen property under $5,000 and obstructing a peace officer.
Olson, who was released on a $1,000 recognizance, has been charged with identity theft and obstructing a peace officer.
Both have criminal records.
In January, charges against Lazarre that included a count of attempted murder from a December 2017 shooting incident at a 1300-block Strathcona home were stayed due to a lack of evidence.
Also in January, Olson was sentenced to time served in relation to a January 2019 home invasion after serving 376 days in custody.
