Swift resolution to police incident in Smithers

On February 7th, Smithers RCMP responded to a residence on Broadway Ave after receiving a report that a man appeared to be in distress and there was a threat of a possible firearm. The police were successful in arresting the individual, who safely exited the home and was apprehended without incident.

The incident was contained to a single residence and did not pose a threat to the general public. Police took multiple safety measures to ensure public safety including advising neighbours and a nearby school to shelter in place.

North District Media Relations Officer Corporal Madonna Saunderson explained, "Due to the potential presence of firearms and out of an abundance of caution, the police had the neighbors and a nearby school shelter in place."

Smithers RCMP has received inquiries as to why a public safety alert was not issued. We emphasize this incident did not meet the criteria for a public safety alert.

The criteria for such an alert in future instances include the following:

• An active threat that presents an imminent risk to public safety by way of grievous bodily harm, death, or damage to property.
• The active threat is unpredictable, evolving quickly, and presents a major challenge to initial police response capacity to protect, contain, and interdict.

Frontline officers had contained the scene and keeping the individual contained to a single residence. I am proud of my officers and their response by keeping all parties safe during this dynamic incident, says S/Sgt. Mark Smaill Smither RCMP Detachment Commander.

For more information on public alerts see the BC Government’s Website

S/Sgt. Mark Smaill
Detachment Commander
Smithers RCMP
Office: 250-847-3233