Nakusp RCMP are investigating an incident where a man was reported to have been taking a shovel to a car.
On June 9 RCMP received a report that a male was damaging a vehicle with a shovel at the British Columbia Service Building in Nakusp. It was also reported to police the same male had driven to an address in Nakusp and began to throw large rocks through the front windows of the residence.
Police immediately responded but were initially unable to locate the suspect male.
However, police were able to locate the suspect a short time later at his residence, which was very close by.The suspect is a 38 year old Nakusp resident.
Police communicated with the suspect in an attempt to execute an arrest and ascertain his mental health; however, the male barricaded himself in his residence and was holding what appeared to be a knife.
The male advised police officers that he was in possession of a firearm and made several comments to try and entice a violent interaction with police.
Additional police officers attended and the immediate area was closed off to ensure the safety of residents.
The male continued to express that the situation would escalate to violence and proceeded to pour gasoline on the deck of the residence.
The Nakusp Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service were called to further ensure the safety of everyone involved.
After approximately two-and-a half hours of continued communication, police were able to take the male into custody without incident.
It was determined that the victims of the offences were known to the suspect and that this was not a random act of violence.
The male appeared in Castlegar Provincial Court on June 11 and has subsequently been remanded in custody until July 22. In addition, a court ordered psychiatric evaluation has been ordered.
“The Nakusp RCMP would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during this stressful situation and the BC Ambulance Service and the Nakusp Fire Department for their assistance,” said R.A.Fehler, CorporalNakusp/Slocan Lake RCMP.