A man known to northern B.C. police and courts has been arrested and charged after Prince George RCMP thwarted an alleged attempt to steal firearms from a local retailer.
Skyler Joseph Jakesta, 26, is in custody on five counts including a charge of break and enter with intent to steal firearms.
He was apprehended after Prince George RCMP were called to the Domano Boulevard store shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Police said a handler and dog were first on the scene and spotted someone trying to break into an area designated for securely storing firearms. He was flushed out and arrested when he emerged out the front door and into the "awaiting handcuffs of other frontline officers."
Jakesta was armed with a hunting knife and axe at the time of the arrest and was wearing clothing from the store, RCMP said.
Police believe Jakesta was acting alone.
Jakesta has a lengthy record of offences committed in Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert and Dease Lake and RCMP said he has been the subject of many police contacts in the five months since he moved to Prince George
He remained in custody following a bail hearing on Wednesday.
