Mounties in Prince George used a combination of ground and aerial tactics last week to arrest a suspect linked to a vehicle theft and break-and-enter.
Police were first called just after 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2026, after reports of a vehicle crashing onto a sidewalk near Ferry Avenue and Highway 16 West. Witnesses reported the driver ran from the scene. Officers later determined the vehicle had been stolen shortly before the crash.
A short time later, police received a report of a residential break-and-enter on Watson Crescent. The suspect entered an occupied home but fled after being confronted by the homeowner. The homeowner reported the suspect ran into her backyard and was wearing clothing similar to the driver involved in the earlier crash.
Police deployed a police service dog team to track the suspect on foot. A drone was also launched to search the area from above.
“When the drone located an individual moving quickly through the area, the officer was able to relay that information to the police service dog team,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for Prince George RCMP. “This allowed officers to narrow the search and locate the suspect quickly.
"This blend of tactics enabled police to locate the suspect rapidly, before he had the opportunity to enter any more homes or vehicles.”
Police arrested 53-year-old Micheal Dean Burger, a Prince George resident. Officers later discovered Burger was wanted on an unendorsed arrest warrant and was in breach of a probation order. Police say he is known to them for similar offences.
Burger has been charged with:
Break and enter and theft
Break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence
Theft of a motor vehicle
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Resisting arrest
Failing to comply with a release order
Burger remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
RCMP say Victim Services will be working with those affected. Police also thanked residents who reported the incidents and provided timely information.
