POLICE – Man arrested in early morning after all-day standoff at G&M

A man was arrested about 4 a.m. this morning after an all-day, all-night standoff at the G&M Mobile Home Park that had people hiding in their homes and police swarming the area.

Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk said today (Oct. 28, 2017) the trailer park remained under police security this morning with no access to the public due to crime scene containment and an investigation.

Both Highway 5 and East Shuswap Road from the intersection with Highway 5 north were re-opened to traffic. The closures as well as road blocks and an unrelated accident on the Overlanders Bridge snarled traffic throughout the downtown area Friday afternoon.

Various reports said the standoff between police and the suspect was prompted by shots being fired, possibly at another location, with the G&M standoff following.

RCMP reported late Friday night that the situation had been contained after the tense day, then the announcement of the arrest followed today.

The drama began unfolding about 11 a.m. Friday when police issued an urgent bulletin that they were involved in a high-risk operation in the area of the trailer park and told residents of the park to stay inside and lock their doors.

A spotter plane buzzed around the park for several hours as the situation continued. Police presence was described as “significant,” including the Emergency Response Team and local detachment members.

“We are asking the public not to share any information about specific police activities or locations on social media,” Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said at the time. The public was asked to avoid calling 911 for updates or non-emergency reports.

When students left Sk’elep school at their regular time of 2:40 p.m. they were bused down Shuswap Road to the Lafarge Bridge, where parents picked them up.

RCMP expect to release further details of the incident later today.