A man police say is well known to them is in custody and facing several firearms charges following a recent vehicle stop in the city.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. Thursday, a member of the Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near First Avenue and Ospika Boulevard.
During the traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle was found to be breaching the conditions of his probation by being in possession of break-in tools. The man was advised of his arrest, but refused to cooperate with officers. After a brief struggle, the man was handcuffed and taken into custody.
A search of the man found him in possession of ammunition and more break-in tools. A search of the vehicle found rifle magazines, one of which was loaded, within reach of the suspect. Two rifles including a fully loaded SKS style rifle with a prohibited magazine, were also found in the vehicle. The vehicle was seized as part of the investigation. Several more items including stolen identification and credit cards were found.
David Michael O’Neill, 32, of Prince George has been charged with two counts of transport of a weapon in a careless manner, two counts of occupying a vehicle knowing there was a firearm in the vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm without a licence, two counts of knowingly possessing a firewarm without a licence, possession of break-in instruments, resisting arrest, three counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition while prohibited, and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
O’Neill has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday August 21.
If you have any information about property crime in the Prince George area, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.