Prince George RCMP have arrested a driver after seizing a loaded SKS rifle from his vehicle.

During the early morning of April 12, RCMP were attempting to conduct a roadside check of a vehicle on Carney Street.

The vehicle failed to stop and fled police at a high speed.

Officers did not pursue due to the interest of their personal safety.

On April 24, at around 4:30 p.m. the same RCMP officer observed the same vehicle near the intersection of 20th Avenue and Victoria Street.

Multiple police vehicles converged on the vehicle as it made its way through a local restaurant drive-thru.

The driver was found to be prohibited from driving in Canada. A fixed blade hunting knife was observed in close proximity to the driver seat.

The driver was arrested on scene. 

Upon vehicle inspection, RCMP located a loaded SKS rifle covered by a jacket on the back seat, well within reach of the driver. The firearm was equipped with an overcapacity magazine and a second overcapacity magazine was also located.

A quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana were also located and seized.

Clayton Angus Middlemiss, 29-years-old, was charged with the following offences:

• unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
• knowingly possess a firearm without a license
• knowingly possess a prohibited device without a license (two counts)
• possession of a firearm without a License
• possession of a prohibited device without a license (two counts)
• possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace (four counts)
• transport a firearm contrary to regulations
• driving while prohibited (two counts)
• possession of a controlled substance (two counts)
• breach of probation

Middlemiss has also been charged by B.C. Prosecution Service with five other offences stemming from an incident that occurred on November 21, 2017.

Those charges include:

• dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• driving while prohibited (2 counts) – Criminal Code
• driving while prohibited – Motor Vehicle Act
• breach of probation

Middlemiss was held in custody overnight and will make his first provincial court appearance later today.