Slocan City is still under lock down as the RCMP search for suspect, Peter Degroot, 45, of Slocan, who is alleged to have fired at police after a dispute escalated with another individual yesterday.
The RCMP confirmed that the suspect is known to police.
"He is considered to be armed and dangerous and we ask the public not to approach him if seen, but to call 911,” stated Chief Supt. Frank Smart, District Commander for the RCMP in a released statement.
Last night RCMP set up a containment area west of the village where the suspect is believed to be located. Homes in that area were evacuated and both WE Graham and Winlaw schools are closed today.
As of Friday morning the search is continuing for an armed male suspect near the village of Slocan. Due to ongoing search efforts local residents are being asked to avoid the cordoned off area and remain indoors.
“I thank the residents of Slocan for their patience and cooperation during this tense situation. Your safety is our primary concern,” stated Smart. “The situation is being continually assessed and I remain committed to providing information when I can.”
Additional resources including air support, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team, crisis negotiator, police dogs and Tactical Armoured Vehicle were deployed to the scene, which the RCMP believe to be "adequate resources.”
"Over the last 12 hours the Southeast District Emergency Response Team was successful in evacuating homes. As well, they safely extricated our member and some residents using our Tactical Armoured Vehicle within the containment zone overnight. Police were also able to search the suspect's residence which resulted in the seizure of a number of firearms.
“With the return of sufficient light to the area we hope to bring this fluid and unfolding event to a quick and safe resolution,” stated Smart. “We respect that there has been a lot of police activity over the past 24 hours and that will continue today. We once again ask for the continued support of the public and the media by not discussing police movements and positioning on social media.”
On Thursday, October 9, at 12:21 p.m., the Slocan/New Denver RCMP responded to a dispute between two individuals on Slocan West Road near Gravel Pit Road. While on scene, the suspect allegedly fired upon police with a rifle before retreating into the surrounding forest. No members of the public nor RCMP officers have been injured.