RCMP release:

Antigonish County District RCMP has charged two men who fled from police in Pomquet Forks.

On January 20, at approximately 11:20 a.m., an RCMP officer attempted to complete a traffic stop on a Ford F-150 with an unattached Alberta licence plate and heavy front-end damage.

The driver of the F-150 immediately took off down a dead-end road and crossed a river, getting the truck stuck on the opposite side of the waterway.

The driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

The officer recognized the truck’s passenger as an individual wanted for possession of a firearm, assault with weapon, and other offences. The driver, who was not known to the officer, was believed to be in possession of a handgun.

In the interest of public safety, an Alert Ready emergency alert was issued to Antigonish County.

Pictou County District RCMP, Guysborough County District RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, the RCMP Emergency Response Team, and a drone were deployed to assist in locating the men.

At approximately 12:50 p.m., one man was taken into custody. The other man was arrested at about 1:50 p.m.

No firearms were located.

The driver, 48-year-old George William Bowles from Heatherton, is facing the following charges:

• Flight from Police
• Dangerous Operation of Conveyance
• Operation of Conveyance While Prohibited
• Obstruction
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The passenger, 33-year-old Jerry Lee Ledrew from Paq’tnkek First Nation, has been charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon
• Pointing a Firearm
• Using an Imitation Weapon in the Commission of an Offence
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Possession of Weapon Contrary to Order

Both Bowles and Ledrew appeared in Antigonish Provincial Court on January 21.