RCMP catch thief with 'bait bike'

A Prince George man caught in an RCMP “bait bike” sting almost a year ago was sentenced Monday, Dec. 2 in provincial court to 14 days time served.

Aron Leif Gray Johnson, 39, had been charged with theft under $5,000 and wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer. He pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000. Crown stayed the other charge.

Court heard that on Dec. 14, 2023, the Prince George RCMP leaned a black BMX-style bike, valued at around $500, against a building near the intersection of 5th Avenue and Queensway. An officer who witnessed Johnson jump on the bike and ride eastbound reported the theft on police radio. He told other officers that Johnson appeared to be destined for the homeless camp at Moccasin Flats.

An officer observed Johnson take a sharp turn into the camp where he threw the bike on the ground.

“Mr. Johnson ran away into a tent city on Moccasin Flats where he was residing,” said Judge Peter McDermick.

The officer in pursuit told Johnson to stop and that he was under arrest. Eventually, a police vehicle blocked Johnson, he lost his balance and was placed under arrest. The officer identified Johnson from previous encounters.

McDermick said Johnson’s criminal record is an aggravating factor in sentencing, but the guilty plea was a mitigating factor.

“Mindful at all times of his Indigenous heritage,” McDermick said.

Court heard that Johnson is a father of two children, has a Grade 10 education and Metis background. He most recently worked in Alberta in construction and equipment operation, but has struggled with addiction and the loss of his mother three years ago to a COVID-19-type infection.

McDermick agreed to the joint proposal from a prosecutor and a defence lawyer, and sentenced Johnson to 14 days time served.

The online court registry shows Johnson faces a Dec. 11 trial for failure to stop after an accident and breach of release order related to a July 24, 2023 incident.