A Stephenville man was arrested yesterday afternoon after allegedly following a police cruiser with a loaded firearm, wearing what appeared to be body armour.

According to RCMP, an officer was conducting an investigation when a man parked his car facing the officer’s cruiser. The man allegedly stepped out, donning what appeared to be body armour, and reached back inside the car.

The officer called for assistance, driving a short distance through the town until backup could arrive. The man reportedly followed the cruiser until other officers pulled him over.

With firearms drawn, police ordered the man to exit the vehicle. The driver, 25-year-old Zachary Alexander, was taken into custody without incident.

The RCMP seized a loaded firearm from Alexander’s vehicle.

He was charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without proper licence, careless use/transport of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

He appeared in court today and was released on conditions. He will be back in court in August.

Meanwhile, the RCMP says bystanders were noticed filming the incident. They’re asking anyone with footage or photos to provide a copy to the RCMP’s Stephenville detachment, as it could help their investigation.