Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Man in River

Updated: Kamloops RCMP and emergency supports resolve river stand off

May 22, 2020 | 2:04 PM

KAMLOOPS — UPDATED: RCMP say an incident on the South Thompson River yesterday involving a young man who had stolen a boat was resolved peacefully.

In a release, police say officers had responded to a disturbance report at a home in the 2300 block of Valleyview Drive. An emotionally distraught 16-year-old boy was involved in the altercation, and fled from the home as police arrived on scene.

The teen took a row boat from the dock of a river-front property, and went out on to the river. RCMP say the teen was believed to be armed with an edged weapon, and had a hammer with him.

Eventually, through the efforts of RCMP support units, fire crews, and a fixed wing air craft overhead, the teen was apprehended without ruther incident.

“Our police officers positioned themselves in strategic locations along the shorelines of the river as the event unfolded, while a specially trained negotiator was called upon to assist with speaking with the young man,” states Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the RCMP Southeast District. “There was a significant amount of risk involved to not only the young male, but all first responders. We are thankful that no one was injured during this incident.”

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The boy was transported by BC Emergency Health Services to Royal Inland Hospital to be checked over.

Police continue to investigate what led to his actions.

PREVIOUS: Kamloops RCMP are trying to coax a man out of the river Friday afternoon (May 22).

According to a news release from Staff Sgt. Mathias Van Laer, the man had run from officers after an earlier incident, stealing a row boat docked off a riverfront home in Valleyview.

Van Laer says both the RCMP boat and the Kamloops Fire Rescue boat are on the river keeping track of the man, while officers are on both shores in case he makes it aground.

The public is asked to stay clear of the operation.