Missing an appointment won’t net jail time for Vernon man involved in armed siege

VERNON – A Vernon man who triggered a 19-hour armed standoff with police a year ago found himself back in custody for failing to show up for an appointment.

Kelly Blake Torvik, born 1985, was arrested on March 14 after he breached a condition of his July 2018 sentence by failing to show up to a psychiatric appointment on Feb. 26.

Torvik is serving an 18-month conditional sentence order in the community after a high-profile armed standoff with police that took place in Coldstream in February 2018. The incident involved the evacuation of nearby homes, and roads were closed as police brought in an Emergency Response Team and negotiator.

Torvik avoided jail time last July when he was sentenced in the community with strict conditions attached, including wearing an electronic monitor.

He admitted to the breach of his sentence at the Vernon courthouse today, March 18, and crown lawyer Brock Bellrichard asked Justice L. Doerksen that no action be taken concerning the breach.

Justice Doerksen asked Torvik whether he would attend his future psychiatric appointments of which he replied from the dock, "I will, I will, for sure."

In July 2018, Torvik pleaded guilty to five charges including assault with a weapon, uttering threats and using a firearm.

At the time of the sentencing, the court heard how Torvik had told his mother he had two bullets, one for her and one for him. Torvik had also made an emotional apology and said he had no recollection of the incident due to his drug and alcohol abuse.

At the end of the almost 19-hour standoff, Torvik surrendered peacefully.

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