Man arrested after allegedly pointing firearm, fleeing police in Saint John

A 21-year-old man is facing charges after he allegedly pointed a firearm at people and fled from police in Saint John on Tuesday.

The Saint John Police Force says the incident happened around 4:15 p.m. in the Hickey Road area, in the city’s east side.

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Police spotted a suspect vehicle on Linda Court, a dead end street on the east side of the city. A chase ensued leading behind an apartment building.

“I saw a black SUV just come right across the lawn, touch the step and he was just going a mile a minute,” said witness Sandra Colbourne

The police were not far behind. Tire tracks were still visible in the green space normally populated by children.

“You don’t see cars and cop cars and guns,” said Colbourne.

“You don’t usually see that here in your backyard.”

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Derek Doiron lives in the area.

He heard the commotion and found a discarded gun beside a dumpster.

Doiron stayed where he was, aware that many children play in the area.

“A lot of them were going to be coming out, see the commotion and all that,” said Doiron.

“I really didn’t want anyone else finding the weapon so I just stood on top of it and waited for the police to come back”

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The suspect vehicle was stopped near the refinery on Loch Lomond Road, according to police, but three police cruisers were damaged as a result.

One officer fired shots, but there no injuries. It’s not known what the circumstances were that lead to shots beings discharged

An outside organization will conduct an investigation into the incident.

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This incident follows a drive by shooting just over a week ago, also in east Saint John, and another shooting on the east side shortly before that.

Police say they are not random acts.

“This would be…a type of feud lets say between different groups,” said Staff Sgt. Tony Hayes of the Saint John Police Force.

“The information we have is they’re not going out and seeking out people that are not involved in those associations.”

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A 21-year-old is facing charges of dangerous driving and eluding police. More charges are possible.

With files from Andrew Cromwell