A 36-year-old Vernon man faces weapons and drug charges following an altercation early Monday evening.

RCMP say they observed two men engaged in a fight in the area of the 3900 block of 32nd Street about 5:45 p.m.

"Upon the officers arrival at the scene, one man had fled on foot, however, the second man, who was in possession of a metal baton was taken into custody," says RCMP Staff Sergeant, Cam Percy.

"The man was also found to be in possession of over 11 grams of crack cocaine."

Derek John Hawthorne faces charges of possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and causing a disturbance.