A police vehicle turns on to Landing Drive on the Skwah Reserve on Thursday, March 11, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

Police watchdog called in following RCMP incident involving man with firearm in Chilliwack

Man allegedly pointed firearm at RCMP officer, threatened to shoot, then fled on foot, according to IIO

The Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO) is now involved in Thursday’s RCMP incident following the arrest of man with a firearm on Skwah Reserve.

Chilliwack RCMP were called to a report of a firearm that was found at a cemetery near Wellington Avenue and Ashwell Road in Chilliwack around 8:45 a.m. Thursday (March 11).

When an officer arrived, a man allegedly pointed the firearm at her and threatened to shoot. He then fled on foot to a nearby residence on Landing Drive.

READ MORE: UPDATE: One in custody following police incident in Chilliwack on Skwah Reserve

The Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service (LMD IPDS) and Emergency Response Teams (ERT) were called to assist in the investigation and subsequent arrest. Officers contained the residence and as he exited, the man was arrested by officers from ERT with assistance from a police dog.

He was transported to hospital with injuries, which were later determined to be serious, according to an IIO press release issued Friday (March 12).

Frontline officers from the Chilliwack RCMP are continuing to investigate the threats and firearm allegations. At the conclusion of this investigation the results will be submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for assessment of appropriate charges.

IIO is investigating to determine whether police actions are linked to the man’s injuries. As the matter is now under investigation by the IIO, no further information will be released by police.

Students and staff at McCammon elementary school in Chilliwack were in a hold-and-secure while the incident unfolded. Parents of students at the school received an email message from principal Brad Driscoll at 10:55 a.m.

“All staff and students are safe inside classrooms and I am in regular and immediate contact with the RCMP,” Driscoll wrote.

RCMP officers stand in the field at McCammon Elementary near the Skwah Reserve on Thursday, March 11, 2021. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)


 

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