An alleged shoplifting arrest took a surprising turn when police found three semi-automatic handguns on the suspect.

Vancouver Police say they arrested a man on Jan. 26 after he allegedly shoplifted several items from the London Drugs at 3328 Kingsway.

Once outside of the store, the man took off running, but store staff caught up to him and after a brief struggle, placed him under arrest.

During the struggle, the store staff said the man kept reaching for a small bag he had in his possession, according to the police.

"When officers arrived and searched the man’s bag, they found three semi-automatic handguns. Two were loaded and there was ammunition in the bag for each weapon," said the press release.

A 28-year-old man has been charged with six firearm-related offences and three counts of carrying a concealed weapon.