A man has been arrested in an active shooter incident in Vanderhoof which sparked a city-wide lockdown Thursday (Nov. 25).
According to details from witnesses and police, a man was seen carrying a long gun in front of the RCMP detachment in the centre of town at about 12:15 p.m. Witnesses told the Omineca Express that gunshots could be heard before the man fled in a white Ford pickup truck with an extended cab.
The shooting sparked an emergency alert to be issued, urging residents to stay inside and lock their doors. Anyone who spotted the suspect was warned to not approach him or the suspect vehicle and call 911 immediately.
Police have since confirmed that a brief pursuit took place, during which a RCMP vehicle was rammed.
The man was found by police at about 1 p.m. at the Kal Tire.
Video submitted to the Express shows the man being pulled from the truck by a number of officers before being pushed to the ground and handcuffed.
“At this time there is nothing to indicate any further ongoing threats to the public,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson. “Fortunately there were no reported injuries to anyone during this event.”
If you are in Vanderhoof, please stay safe. If you see police, do not report their location. #Vanderhoof
— Jen Alexander (she/her) (@Jennife88005836) November 25, 2021
Those planning to visit #VanderhoofBC told to stay away.
Details of emergency alert sent. pic.twitter.com/0Z5ak4t0wx— Ashley Wadhwani (WAHD-WAH-NEE) (@ashwadhwani) November 25, 2021
A number of roadblocks that were in place have since been dismantled. Police tape can be seen infront of the RCMP detachment.
In a statement released by the District of Vanderhoof, Mayor Gerry Thiessen said, “Please, during these times, look out for and care for one another. Be kind, be well, and most importantly, be safe.”
As these events can be frightening and shocking, the district is asking residents who need support to access 24-hour counselling, web resources and referrals via www.healthlinkbc.ca/resources
RCMP are continuing to investigate the situation and are asking witnesses to contact the local detachment at 250-567-2222.
@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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