UPDATE:
One man is in custody as of 11:25 a.m., and RCMP continue to investigate but officers say there is no further risk to the public at this time.
ORIGINAL:
Some North Okanagan residents are on edge due to an increased police presence Tuesday morning.
“Police are on the hunt for two armed men,” reported Mabel Lake Farms, which is located on Kingfisher Road near Enderby.
“I was going to work and got pulled over at the end of the road then drove to the bridge where two other cops were blocking it,” said Megan Martin, whose parents own the farm.
She was told the chase started in Sicamous. There are also reports of a robbery that took place Tuesday morning in Sicamous.
RCMP confirm members of the Southeast District Emergency Response Team are currently assisting the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP with a search of a rural area for two suspects they believe to be related to crime committed about 4 a.m. in another community.
While searching for the suspect’s vehicle an officer spotted the vehicle heading eastbound on Mabel Lake Road in Enderby, however the vehicle was found abandoned near Mabel Lake. Police quickly established a perimeter in the large rural area of Kingfisher.
“In responding to calls of this nature, our police officers want to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” said Inspector Kevin Keane, Vernon North Okanagan Operations Officers. “Given the large geographical area and high risk situation potentially involving firearms, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team has been brought in to assist with the search.”
Police are requesting citizens keep clear of the area while the search is underway and local residents ensure doors are locked. Report any suspicious activity in the area to the police immediately.
Police launch search for suspects in the Enderby Mabel Lake area https://t.co/uvgMa6TJjQ #VernonNorthOkanagan pic.twitter.com/pZUArwpMpZ
— Vernon North Okanagan RCMP (@VernonNOkRCMP) April 7, 2020
Another resident urges others living on Beatty Road and Stoney Road to lock their doors after his morning encounter about 4 a.m.
“Roadblock with assault rifles to say good morning to me at the Kingfisher bridge,” Bruce Ingleson said in response to the Farms’ social media post.
“I know a cube van rolled and crashed off Walker Road and cops with assault rifles were sweeping down towards Dollyvarden Road through the bush,” he continued.
More updates will be posted as they become available.
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