Kamloops man faces charges after Royal Avenue standoff

Officers contained the area, blocking off a section of Royal Avenue between Knox Street and Ross Street, and evacuated nearby homes.

While several occupants did exit the home early on, including the person allegedly being held, a man remained inside.

The Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called in to assist local officers, and the situation wrapped up just after 11:00 p.m. with the man being taken into custody.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says investigators still haven’t determined whether someone was actually being held at the home.

“We haven’t determined that yet. We’re still investigating and still taking statements from the people,” said Shelkie. “So at this time, we don’t know for sure that that’s what the situation was. It very well could have been.”

Neighbours described the home in question as a drug house, and Shelkie says it has been a source of problems for the neighbourhood — and attention from the RCMP — for more than a year.

“Most illegal activity is somehow related to drug activity. So yes, for drug activity mainly,” said Shelkie.

The 25 year old suspect is previously known to police, and RCMP are forwarding the matter to the crown counsel for determination of possible charges.

Officers remained on scene Thursday morning while awaiting a warrant to search the home.

Shelkie says the local detachment wants to thank residents of the neighbourhood for their cooperation and patience.

by James Peters

Kamloops man faces charges after Royal Avenue standoff

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