Tear gas forces man to surrender to Sicamous RCMP

After a five-hour stand-off, tear gas was fired into trailer at a RV park near Sicamous yesterday, March 21, forcing a Salmo man to surrender.

The drama started at a Malakwa RV park at about 10 a.m. when Sicamous RCMP tried to arrest the 55-year-old man with a number of outstanding arrest warrants.

“The man ignored police commands and fled inside his trailer,” a news release from the Southeast District RCMP says. “Police attempted negotiations with the male to exit however he refused to do so. Police were concerned for the safety of both officers and the public in the RV park as one of the arrest warrants involved a firearms offence.”

Neighbours were cleared out of their RVs while negotiations continued.

At about 3 p.m., the tear gas was fired into the trailer and the man came out. He was arrested without further incident.

He is scheduled for a bail hearing today.

“Several residents were prevented from returning to their RVs during the standoff and several police resources including specialized units from Kelowna were used due to the refusal of the individual to follow lawful police direction,” the news release says.

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