UPDATE: 2 p.m.
A dynamic and unfolding police incident, centred around a commercial building in Kelowna, has ended with a distraught male being taken into custody by the RCMP.
On Sept. 6 before 9:30 a.m., Kelowna RCMP were called to a commercial business located in the 300 block of Adams Road, for reports of a disturbance involving a very distraught male, according to the RCMP in a news release.
The RCMP was told that the suspect, who was observed to be covered in blood, became involved in an altercation with a civilian after he was found damaging the inside of a motor vehicle. The suspect allegedly became aggressive towards the civilian, who was forced to retreat and was uninjured, the release said.
The suspect engaged in a confrontation with the first officers who arrived on scene. He then retreated and barricaded himself inside a unit within the commercial complex. Kelowna RCMP surrounded the commercial building and called for the support of the RCMP South East District Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services and specially trained crisis negotiators, the release said.
“At approximately 11:30 a.m., tactically trained members of the South East District Emergency Response Team breached the front door of the commercial unit in an attempt to establish direct communication with the male,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP. “When the male refused to respond or follow police directions, the ERT members utilized less lethal rounds and a police service dog. As a result, the male was taken into police custody without further incident.”
The suspect was immediately assessed medically at the scene by emergency paramedics of the BC Ambulance Service. He remains in police custody at this time and faces potential charges.
UPDATE 11:44 a.m.
One person has been escorted out of the building and was put in a police car by multiple officers.
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UPDATE: 11:38 a.m.
RCMP are packing up and one man is being loaded into an ambulance on a stretcher.
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Update 11:22 a.m.
A witness on scene for an hour has been watching Kelowna RCMP working with K9 Units and SWAT in what he believes is a hostage situation.
Scott Beatty, from Penticton, says he heard officers say it is a hostage situation and that the suspect is well known.
Police are on megaphone with guns drawn and canine units are in the building. Police and SWAT have entered the building and shouting can be heard on scene.
One officer on the speaker shouted that a man is under arrest for mischief.
A person is being escorted to the police vehicle now.
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Original
RCMP have swarmed a commercial building and have drawn their weapons as they deal with a distraught man on Adams Road.
On Sept. 6 shortly before 9:30 am, Kelowna RCMP were called to a commercial business located in the 300 block of Adams Road, for reports of a disturbance involving a distraught male.
“RCMP officers have established a perimeter around the commercial building,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
The RCMP South East District Emergency Response Team (SED ERT), Police Dog Services and specially trained crisis negotiators have been called to the scene to assist, as police continue their efforts to make contact, communicate and negotiate with the man.
“RCMP are asking the general public to avoid the area until such time as the situation is resolved, as temporary road closures have been put in place of along Adams Road between Edwards Road and Sexsmith Road,” adds Cpl. O’Donaghey.
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