A Nanaimo man is facing several charges after a recent firearms incident.
Nanaimo RCMP say on the evening of May 2, a 51-year-old man pointed a gun at another man before running away. Shortly after, officers were able to arrest him without incident behind a building near the intersection of 5th street and Princess Avenue, while he had a loaded handgun.
Three days later on May 5, members of the SITE Special Investigations Unit searched the man’s residence where they seized multiple firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammo, and a pipebomb.
The pipebomb was disposed of by the RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit.
Officers say on May 5, the BC Prosecution Services have charged the man with six firearms offences, including Pointing a firearm, Possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, and Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, 45 calibre handgun without a license to possess that weapon.
The man, now identified as James Newstead, is still in custody and will appear in court May 13.
