A man in Prince George, British Columbia, was arrested on Saturday night after allegedly pointing a fake gun at a taxi driver. Police later discovered a real gun and ammunition during the investigation, leading to several criminal charges.
The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report of someone threatening a taxi driver with a firearm. Officers were quick to respond and found a suspect near the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Quinn Street.
Police say they approached the man based on the description provided by the victim. He was arrested without incident, and officers determined that the weapon he had at the time was not real. It was an imitation firearm.
Despite the weapon being fake, police emphasized that such threats are treated seriously. “Any police response to an imitation firearm is the same as if the weapon were real,” said a police spokesperson. Officers are trained to respond to all firearm calls as high-risk situations. This helps protect both the public and officers during uncertain moments.
After the arrest, officers searched the suspect as part of routine procedure. That’s when they found a real firearm and live ammunition in his possession. The discovery changed the direction of the case, leading to a more serious set of charges.
The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Clayton Gus Joseph, a resident of Prince George. He now faces several charges, including possession of a weapon, possession of an imitation weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon. Additional charges include uttering threats, illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition due to a court order, and two counts of violating probation terms.
Authorities said that Joseph is under a court-ordered ban that prevents him from owning or handling guns or ammunition. The presence of both a real gun and bullets added weight to the case, showing a possible intent to harm or intimidate.
The police also noted that Joseph was not allowed to carry any kind of firearm or similar device due to past legal issues. Violating such orders is considered a serious offense and can result in more jail time or stricter conditions if found guilty.
Police have confirmed that Joseph will remain in custody until his next court hearing. No specific date has been provided yet, but officials say they are continuing to look into the matter.
Taxi drivers and ride-share operators are often at risk due to the nature of their work. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers they face daily. Police are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or feels unsafe to call local authorities immediately.
The RCMP also encouraged the public not to carry imitation firearms in public spaces. Even fake weapons can cause panic and lead to dangerous outcomes. In high-stress moments, it’s nearly impossible to tell if a weapon is real or fake, which puts both the public and responding officers at risk.
Police say the quick response was made possible by the detailed report from the taxi driver. They credit public cooperation and timely information for helping ensure a peaceful arrest.
Law enforcement officials are asking residents to be alert and responsible. Whether a weapon is real or not, the consequences of making threats are always serious. Safety remains the top concern for both police and community members.
Investigators are still working to gather more information about the case, including why the suspect may have been carrying both real and imitation firearms. Anyone with further details is urged to contact local authorities.
