Kelowna RCMP say a standoff on Saturday that involved a man with a “violent history” ended when he was taken into custody.
Police and emergency response teams surrounded a residence on Nancee Way in West Kelowna on Saturday at around noon, after a frontline officer spotted a man with several warrants enter an outbuilding on the property.
“It was actually quite spectacular, I guess you could almost say it was a little entertaining but not the entertainment factor,” said Heather McKnight, a witness to Saturday’s events.
“There was a large police presence, tactical units, the dog team and there were other RCMP officers surrounding the building. We just watched it from 12:00 p.m., onward and there was a steady flow of people on the hill coming and going, moving tactfully.”
Due to the man’s violent history, and after the man’s refusal to follow police orders to exit the building, RCMP decided it would need to deploy the emergency response team, who successfully detained the man before taking him into custody.
RCMP did not name the individual taken into custody, and it’s not clear if he remains there.
“Nothings ever happened like this before,” said McKnight.
“I must say they did everything in a very good way, protecting themselves and whoever was in the building. Heads up to the RCMP, they did a fantastic job and I feel safe.”
At this time, police say there is no concern for public safety.