One man has been arrested and will appear in court later today following an alleged attempt to steal firearms this morning.
Just after midnight, the Prince George RCMP received a report of a commercial break and enter to a large retail store on Domano Boulevard.
A police dog service team was first on the scene and located damage to the front doors. The officer could see a suspect attempting to break into a secured area designated for firearms storage. The suspect fled through the store, eventually emerging out the front door and into the awaiting handcuffs of other frontline officers. The suspect was in possession of a hunting knife and axe at the time of the arrest, and was wearing clothing from the store.
A review of surveillance images and a thorough search of the store with police service dog Kash was conducted. It is believed that the suspect was acting alone. Significant damage was found. The suspect was not able to access the firearms storage area.
The BC Prosecution Service has charged 26-year-old Skyler Joseph Jakesta with:
- Break & Enter to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Break & Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Break & Enter with Intent to Steal Firearms
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Fail to Comply with Probation
Jakesta recently moved to Prince George and has been the subject of many police contacts in the last five months. He has a history with police in several other northern B.C. communities.
If you have any information about the theft or illegal possession of firearms in our community, 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 firearms, you could be eligible for a cash reward.