Shoplifter who threatened employee with needle one of 13 arrests in one day

Over a dozen people were arrested for a variety of violations on one very busy day for Prince George RCMP.

According to a statement sent out this afternoon (Monday), the day and days following the issuing of income assistance payments are the busiest of the month for police. The story was no different last Wednesday when they made 13 arrests and issued 14 violation tickets in downtown Prince George.

Many of the arrests note intoxication or breach of probation, but some are far more serious, including a case where a shoplifter threatened a staff member with a needle at a business on Austin Road. According to Corporal Craig Douglass, that incident occurred the day before income assistance cheques were given out and the accused was caught on Wednesday morning. He has had more than 40 negative contacts with the RCMP so far this year.

Also included in the arrests on Wednesday was a 59-year-old man originally taken in for intoxication and found to be wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant from another community for sexual assault. Douglass said, as directed by law, police had no choice but to release him with a court date. Just before noon the next day (Thursday, October 24^th), the same male was found consuming alcohol near the intersection of 10th Avenue and Victoria Street.  He was once again arrested and lodged until sober.  So far in 2019, this man has been lodged into cells 12 times for being drunk and unable to take care of himself.

Four other adult males were arrested as a result of being intoxicated in public.

• A 45 year old male was arrested near the corner of 5^th Avenue and Brunswick Street after officers observed him and checked his well-being.  This is the 6^th time this year he has been arrested for being intoxicated.
• A 53 year old man was found near the corner of 12^th Avenue and Vancouver Street.  His level of intoxication made it impossible for him to take care of himself.  He was arrested and lodged until sober.  He has been in police custody due to intoxication over 25 times so far this year.
• A 56 year old cyclist was found riding the wrong way down 2^nd Avenue.  He was found to be intoxicated and lodged in cells until sober.  Upon his release, he was also issued violation tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act for no helmet, riding the wrong way and careless cycling.  This was the third time this year he was in cells due to intoxication.
• A 61 year old man was found intoxicated near 2^nd Avenue and Dominion Street.  He was lodged in cells until sober and able to take care of himself.  This was the second time this year he was in cells due to intoxication.

RCMP also made a rooftop arrest on Wednesday of 26-year-old Johnny James Boys, a prolific offender wanted on numerous charges including break and enter and careless handling of a firearm.