Imitation firearm triggers RCMP, ERT and negotiators to residential facility

KELOWNA – A 38-year-old Kelowna man in possession of a pellet gun caused several police units, including the Emergency Response Team to be dispatched, and a section of Highway 97 North to be closed in the early hours of Monday, March 4.

According to a Kelowna RCMP media release, a panic button alarm was triggered at a residential facility located in the 2600 block of Highway 97 North, after staff and security saw one of the residents in possession of what appeared to be a firearm.

Kelowna RCMP called for the support of the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team, a police canine, and a trained negotiator to the scene of the incident. A nearby part of Highway 97 North was also closed as a precaution.

Some of the building's residents were evacuated into awaiting buses and a nearby hotel lobby.

“Although the male resident was seen in possession of the firearm, no reports had been received by police that he had been using it in a threatening manner,” Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said in the release.

Police took a 38-year-old Kelowna man into custody without incident and found him in possession of a pellet gun.

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