Warrant issued for man in connection with Terrace evacuation

A province-wide warrant has now been issued for a man wanted in connection with a police incident in Terrace earlier this week.

Samuel Kenneth Ratchford is now wanted for assault.

The Terrace RCMP investigation involving Ratchford relates to incidents which are alleged to have taken place over a period of a few weeks. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, RCMP attempted to find Ratchford in a home on Mountainview Avenue. At the time they asked people in the immediate homes to stay inside and the public was asked to avoid the area. Mounties also evacuated some of the homes as a precaution.

The decision to evacuate the area was made when it came to our attention that a gas stove inside of the residence involved had been left on. This created a public safety concern for the neighbors and our members dealing with the situation. The assistance of the Thornhill Fire Department and Pacific North Gas was greatly appreciated in helping us deal with this concern, Sgt. Shawn McLaughlin, acting officer-in-charge of the Terrace Detachment.

Once officers thought it was deemed safe they entered the home but Ratchford was not found inside.

Samuel Kenneth Ratchford is described as:

• 31 years old, Caucasian
• 168 cm (5 ft 6 inches)
• 82 kg (181 lbs)
• brown hair
• blue eyes

Anyone seeing Ratchford is asked to contact 911 immediately, and the public is reminded to not approach this man. If anyone knows the current whereabouts of Ratchford, or have information about this matter, they are asked to contact the Terrace RCMP at (250)638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-8477.