Mounties describe 'fluid mayhem' of active shooter situation in Vanderhoof, B.C.
Authorities have released more details on the active shooter situation that sent the community of Vanderhoof, B.C., into lockdown Thursday, including an alarming account of bullets "flying past work stations" at the local RCMP detachment.
More than a dozen people were working inside when a gunman opened fire on the detachment at around 12:15 p.m., causing employees to throw themselves to the ground to avoid being struck, Mounties said Friday.
"I am told that bullets from a rifle smashed through exterior windows, striking walls, equipment, and flying past work stations where police officers and office staff sat," Chief Supt. Warren Brown of the North District RCMP said in a statement.
"With the serious level of threat and fluid mayhem, it is remarkable to believe no one was hurt and the suspect was arrested safely."
The suspect, whose name and age have not been released, remains in custody.
Authorities have not commented on a possible motive, but said they believe the shooting was a targeted attack on police and that there's no ongoing threat to the small northern B.C. community, located about 100 kilometres west of Prince George.
Vanderhoof's approximately 4,400 residents were told to "stay inside or shelter in place" as the tense incident unfolded early Thursday afternoon, and officers put up roadblocks around town as they worked to locate the gunman.
An emergency message was also sent out to cellphones in the surrounding area warning residents and visitors to keep away as the alleged shooter was driving around in a white Ford pickup.
Videos posted to social media captured a pickup matching that description surrounded by RCMP vehicles, and officers approaching with their guns drawn.
"I get an emergency alert text message there's an active shooter in Vanderhoof and as we're pulling into town the guy is getting busted at Kal Tire!" one Facebook user wrote.
Chief Supt. Brown thanked the public for calling 911 and delivering real-time information on the suspect's whereabouts and description, which he called "integral pieces of information" leading to the arrest.
The Vanderhoof RCMP detachment remained closed Friday for forensic examination, but authorities said the investigation will not disrupt officers' ability to respond to calls.
Police asked anyone who recorded cellphone or dash-cam video of the incident or aftermath to share it with law enforcement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.