Merritt RCMP arrest three men for kidnapping after officers heard gunshot

Three people have been arrested and charged with kidnapping in Merritt.

The incident unfolded yesterday, Nov. 18 shortly after 1 p.m., as police heard a gunshot in the 1300 block of Priest Avenue, according to an RCMP press release.

When officers arrived to the area they saw a dark-coloured sedan speeding away. It was found parked in the 1700 block of Nicola Avenue near a residence.

The South East District Emergency Response Team was called to assist.

READ MORE: RCMP investigating several targeted shootings in Merritt and area

Three suspects tried to flee from police but were captured, the release says.

Braeden Shane Drake, Mark Ethan Giesbrecht, and William Joseph Lavoie are facing charges for taking a hostage with a firearm, and entering a dwelling house without lawful excuse to commit an indictable offence. All three are being held in custody.

An uninjured victim was located by police.

“There has been a brazen disregard for public safety recently in our community, and having these individuals off our streets will hopefully restore a sense of security back to the community,” Sgt. Josh Roda said in the release.

“We want to thank the public for their patience as we worked diligently to mitigate any further risk.”

Anybody with information about any shootings in Merritt over the past four days is asked to contact the local RCMP detachment at 250-378-4262.

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