Photo: Oliver Daily News

UPDATE 11:45 a.m.

Two suspects are in custody following a carjacking in Penticton and manhunt in Okanagan Falls.

Police were called Thursday at 9 a.m. by a woman who had her vehicle stolen by a man threatening her with bear spray in a parking lot on Westminster Avenue West.

Police were provided with detailed information about the stolen car and spotted it being driven to Okanagan Falls. Several police officers swarmed the community, supported by an RCMP helicopter.

Const. James Grandy says the suspects ditched the vehicle after seeing police and ran off on foot. One was arrested running down a steep hill near Highway 97 and Main Street, while the other was detained on Cedar Street.

“Crimes such as this are not typical in Penticton, and are taken very seriously. Our officers, while working as a cohesive team, were able to quickly and safely capture those responsible,” added Grandy.

The police incident led to the brief "hold and secure" at Okanagan Falls Elementary, but was lifted by 11 a.m.

UPDATE 11:09 a.m.

The hold and secure at Okanagan Falls Elementary School has now been lifted. Still no indication from RCMP as to why the school was forced to close or why the helicopter was circling the area. The heavy police presence has now left the community.

UPDATE: 10:20 a.m.

Okanagan Falls Elementary School tells Castanet it is back under a hold and secure order. 

"All we know is they are looking for someone," school administrative staff said of an unfolding police situation. 

Castanet has reached out to RCMP for more details. 

ORIGINAL: 10:15 a.m.

Police officers in unmarked cruisers and an RCMP helicopter have been scouring Okanagan Falls for over an hour Thursday morning.

A resident tells Castanet a helicopter is still circling the area around Maple Street, and she first saw a police cruiser driving around her neighbourhood at 9 a.m.

Castanet has confirmed Okanagan Falls Elementary School was placed on a temporary hold and secure, which has now been lifted.

School administrative staff would not comment further about why they were placed on hold and secure. 

We have reached out to RCMP for more details and will update as more information becomes available. 

Photo: Contributed