FOUR PEOPLE escaped injury after New Hazelton RCMP went to a shots fired complaint in the lower village on the Gitsegukla Reserve 30 km west of New Hazelton B.C. at about 1:45 a.m. today, January 5.
Once in the area, RCMP were directed to a residence and throughout the early morning hours attempted to make contact with the occupants inside the residence, reported police in a press release.
The North District Emergency Response Team (ERT) were deployed to the location due to the initial complaint of a possible firearm.
The ERT is similar to a swat team with specialized training.
The occupants of the residence made no effort to speak with police, who therefore were led to believe that a high risk situation was at hand.
RCMP, with the help of the Gitsegukla Band Fire Department, secured a large area and a perimeter was established to reduce any potential risk to neighboring residents, the elementary school and the local health unit.
Police worked in co-operation with the local band chief and council and as a result of this partnership, the situation was resolved.
Just after 11 a.m., an adult man and woman, along with two small children, exited the residence and were with police and reported to be uninjured.
Police continued to investigate what happened as it was still not known who was responsible for the shots fired and if it was related to that residence.
“This peaceful outcome weighs heavily on the tremendous support and co-operation we received from the local band and the entire Gitsegukla community,” stated Const. Lesley Smith, North District Media Relations Officer.
“This situation had all the indicators for a high risk incident but with everyone working together police were able to establish communication and can safely say that no one was injured and two adults and two small children are safe.”
The investigation is still ongoing as RCMP continue to speak with the residents to determine if the incident had to do with a criminal offence.
