A police search for a man wanted across Canada led officers to a home off Vernon’s Okanagan Landing Road Wednesday evening, but no one was found.
The Southeast District Emergency Response Team responded with Vernon North Okanagan RCMP to the home on Brooks Lane at around 4 p.m., Aug. 19.
Police were searching for 30-year-old Robert Gordon Heltman, who has ties to the Okanagan. He is wanted countrywide for breaching conditions of his statutory release.
Given the high-risk situation involving the federal offender and the possibility of a firearm, police contained the area and some neighbouring residences were evacuated.
Several police vehicles and armed officers clad in camouflage were seen around a residence on Brooks Lane. Witnesses reported they heard flash bangs go off around 7:30 p.m.
“The Southeast District Emergency Response Team are highly trained police officers able to deal with these types of situations.” RCMP media officer Cpl. Tania Finn said. “The safety of everyone involved is of the utmost concern for police.”
After several attempts to contact someone within the residence, the emergency responers entered the home. Although Heltman wasn’t located, police seized a loaded handgun during their investigation.
Heltman’s court records date back 11 years to incidents in Vernon and Armstrong, Charges include assault, possession of a weapon and theft under $5,000.
Ten years ago, Crime Stoppers was seeking information on Heltman as he was wanted in British Columbia for a breach of undertaking, assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, according to a Morning Star report published March 28, 2010.
A matching Facebook profile indicates he attended Pleasant Valley Secondary School in Armstrong.
Police continue to search for Heltman and anyone with information regarding the 30-year-old man are urged to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP non-emergency line at 25-545-7171 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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