RCMP respond to a woman threatening harm with a knife against herself and others

Photo: Brendan Kergin

Police were called on Saturday night to a report of a suicidal woman with a knife was threatening to harm herself and others.

At 6:27 p.m., 100 Mile House RCMP responded to the incident on Burgess Road in the Deka Lake area. Family in the residence had fled next door, leaving the woman in the house alone.  

On-duty RCMP members entered into the residence to check on the woman's well-being and began working on negotiation talks with the woman while she was still holding the knife.

After a lengthy discussion, a Conducted Energy Weapon, also known as a stun gun, was used and the woman was successfully apprehended under the Mental Health Act of BC. 

BC Ambulance was called in and waiting nearby, and proceeded to check over the woman for any injuries right after the incident. 

She was later transported to 100 Mile Hospital to speak with a physician for further evaluation as per the Mental Health Act.

“These incidents are very high stress for all those involved, and everyone will be offered victim assistance as a result for additional support. The officers involved will be spoken too and protocol followed regarding debriefing as necessary. There will be no further reporting of this incident,” Sgt. Svend Nielsen, the Detachment Commander with 100 Mile House RCMP stated in a press release. 

RCMP reports that no other people nor any officers were injured during this incident. 

For anyone struggling with their mental health, contact the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 or text START to 741741 or attend your local hospital to speak with a physician.