Suspect in custody following reports of active shooter in Vanderhoof, B.C.
A suspect is in custody following reports of an active shooter with a long gun in the northern B.C. community of Vanderhoof.
The tense incident prompted a community-wide lockdown early Thursday afternoon as RCMP officers worked to locate and arrest the alleged gunman.
Officers put up roadblocks around the small district municipality, which has a population of about 4,400 and is located about 100 kilometres west of Prince George, and an emergency alert message was sent to cellphones in the area.
Authorities said the situation began with reports that a shooter had targeted the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment on Columbia Street at around 12:15 p.m.
The suspect was then said to be driving around the area in a white Ford pickup truck.
In a news release, RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson said there was a "brief pursuit" after authorities found the suspect, and that a police vehicle was rammed before officers were ultimately able to take the individual into custody.
"At this time there is nothing to indicate any further ongoing threats to the public," Saunderson wrote. "Fortunately, there were no reported injuries to anyone during this event."
Video posted on social media shows a white pickup truck cordoned off with police tape and surrounded by RCMP vehicles.
"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.
While the situation was unfolding, authorities urged everyone in the community to "stay inside or shelter in place," and to avoid posting pictures or videos on social media that could reveal officers' whereabouts or tactics.
Saunderson said the investigation into what happened is ongoing, and asked any witnesses to contact the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment at 250-567-2222.
