Comox Valley RCMP have arrested 42-year-old Stephen Pawlak after he threatened to shoot a police officer while carrying a loaded handgun.
On October 11th, police received information that a man in Black Creek, a community located on Eastern Vancouver Island, was in possession of a firearm and allegedly threatened to shoot a police officer.
See also: VicPD arrest 28-year-old man for attempted murder in Bay Street shooting
After receiving the tip, plain clothes RCMP officers put Pawlak under surveillance and followed him to the Black Creek General Store.
Officers approached him after he entered the bathroom but the suspect refused to come out, telling police that he was carrying a handgun.
With the help of the Emergency Response Team, officers were able to get Pawlak out of the bathroom and take him into custody.
“Our priority is always the safety of our community and acting on information of this nature can be very dynamic with many different considerations along the way,” said Comox Valley said Inspector Mike Kurvers.
See also: 27-year-old man charged in Tuesday morning West Shore shooting
Pawlak has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a loaded handgun, and possession of a firearm contrary to an order.
While he is expected to appear in court later this month, the Major Crime Unit is continuing their investigation of the incident and ask that anyone who witnessed Pawlak’s activities prior to his arrest come forward and speak with police.
The Comox Valley RCMP can be reached at 250-338-1321 and callers with information about this case are asked to refer to file 2019-15891.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Comox Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at comoxvalleycrimestoppers.bc.ca.
