Update:
An alleged threat with a firearm is what led to a heavy police presence on Broadway Avenue south, confirmed Williams Lake RCMP Insp. Jeff Pelley.
Pelley said police responded to a report of a male with a firearm threatening a local resident in the 1400 block of Broadway South, Williams Lake at 1:53 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.
“The investigation revealed that a person at a local business confronted a male and female who were suspected to be under the influence marijuana and asked them to leave area,” said Pelley. “The male suspect allegedly made a threat and produced a firearm before departing.”
New to Williams Lake, Scott and Crystal Albrecht told the Tribune they were busy getting their new detailing business ready when an employee from a neighbouring business came by to alert them of the suspicious pair and also wanted to ensure the couple’s two young children, who often play outside, were with their parents.
Scott said he told the employee they were, and went outside to ask the two to leave, which was when the alleged firearm threat occurred.
Formerly from Red Deer, Alberta, the couple said they are excited to be opening their new business in the lakecity after only discovering Williams Lake recently.
“We just drove through and absolutely loved it,” Scott said, adding their new shop located beside Wise Windows and Doors on Broadway Avenue North is significantly smaller than the shop they previously operated.
“I thought ‘hey I’ve owned a detail shop in Alberta for 10 years and this is kind of my slow down retirement.'”
Insp. Pelley said the suspects were located a short distance away hiding and arrested without incident thanks to a coordinated response of multiple police units and communication with the public. He noted the investigation resulted in the recovery of a firearm replica and other edged weapons. Both suspects are very well known to police and currently remain in custody pending charge approval, he said. There was no injuries to anyone during this incident, he noted.
Offences of uttering threats, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose are being recommended against the man while possession of concealed weapon and possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose are being recommended against the woman, Pelley said. No names of the accused will be released until charges are approved by Crown Counsel.
Original: Broadway Avenue was closed briefly Friday afternoon, Sept. 18 due to a police incident.
There was a heavy police presence and the road was blocked off by police shortly after 2 p.m.
A witness told Tribune he saw RCMP apprehend at least one suspect hiding in the bushes in the 1000 block of Broadway Avenue and take him into custody.
By 2:35 p.m. the road was reopened.
No word at this time what the arrest was regarding. Police on scene declined comment.
RCMP Insp. Jeff Pelley told the Tribune one female and one male were arrested.
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