A 37-year-old Californian is behind bars after running the Roosville Border Crossing July 9, packing two firearms.

Elk Valley RCMP was last Sunday advised by the Canada Border Service Agency at the Roosville Border Crossing (pictured) that a vehicle had run from their location northbound into Canada, failing to stop and report as per the Canada Customs Act.

The vehicle was described as a blue Nissan Altima having California licence plates with a single person in the vehicle.

This vehicle was located by officers travelling east bound along Highway 3 just past Elko near the tunnel. A traffic stop was initiated by police, at which point the male driver of the Nissan failed to cooperate with direction provided and fled the traffic stop.

Due to the circumstances, Elk Valley officers committed to a police pursuit over a short two km distance before the driver stopped the vehicle again, described Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen.

The highway was momentarily shut down by police, who completed a high risk take down on the subject driver due to his erratic behaviour. He was safely arrested without incident. No contact or damage with any other vehicle, police vehicle or person occurred.

A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest located a loaded handgun in the footwell area of the driver’s seat location and a loaded semi-automatic rifle in a duffle bag in the backseat of the car.

Both had extended magazines. The 37-year-old California resident was taken to cells and held for a bail hearing.

Eight Criminal Code offences were sworn against Scott Panerio of Stockton, California by B.C. Crown Counsel, including flight from police, importing a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm as well as contraventions of the Customs Act.

Mr. Panerio is being held for a bail hearing after being remanded to appear by video in Kamloops Provincial Court within seven days.

“Elk Valley Regional RCMP believe this to be an isolated incident and that there is no further risk to the public at large at this time,” said S/Sgt. Nielsen.

“The investigation is being supported by the RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement team and the Canadian Border Services Agency. Our investigation is ongoing, file 2023-2076 refers.”

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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