RCMP say arrest made in manhunt, no further risk to public

UPDATE: 4:09 p.m.

RCMP in Sicamous continue to investigate an early morning armed robbery of a marijuana growing facility in the Shuswap community.

Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey said on April 7 shortly before 4 a.m., police responded to a report of an armed robbery at a licensed medical marijuana grow operation in the Sicamous area.

After receiving notification an alarm at the facility had gone off, a representative attended the location where he came across armed suspects.

“A shot was allegedly fired towards the property representative during an ensuing confrontation,” said O'Donaghey. “The victim was uninjured during the incident.”

The suspects fled from the scene in a vehicle which was later spotted abandoned in the Enderby area by North Okanagan Rural RCMP.

“A search of the area surrounding the suspect vehicle, was supported by the Southeast District Emergency Response Team and resulted in the arrest of a man,” said O'Donaghey.

The criminal investigation into the violent break-in remains ongoing led by the Sicamous RCMP, being supported by North Okanagan Rural RCMP.

Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the Sicamous RCMP at 250-836-2878.

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UPDATE: 11:50 a.m.

RCMP confirm they have one man in custody following a search in the Mabel Lake area this morning. 

Officers will remain on scene to conduct further investigation and believe there is no further risk to the public.

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UPDATE: 10:55 a.m.

Residents of the Mabel Lake area report that it appears police have now made at least one arrest in this morning's manhunt.

Details of the crime that led to the search have yet to be released by RCMP.

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UPDATE: 10:40 a.m.

Police confirm members of the Southeast District Emergency Response Team are assisting North Okanagan RCMP with a search for two suspects in the Enderby-Mabel Lake area.

Police ask the public to keep clear of the area while the search is underway, and local residents are advised to keep doors locked. 

Spokesperson Cpl. Tania Finn said police believe the suspects are related to a crime committed earlier this morning "in a neighbouring jurisdiction." She did not elaborate.

Finn says police were alerted to the crime about 4 a.m., and officers began patrolling for a suspect vehicle that was spotted heading east on Mabel Lake Road.

The vehicle was found abandoned near Mabel Lake, and officers established a perimeter in the Kingfisher area.

"In responding to calls of this nature, our police officers want to ensure the safety of everyone involved, said Insp. Kevin Keane. "Given the large geographical area and high-risk situation potentially involving firearms, the Southeast District Emergency Response Team has been brought in to assist with the search."

Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity in the area to police immediately.

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ORIGINAL: 9 a.m.

Police swarmed an area near Mabel Lake early Tuesday.

Although RCMP have yet to issue a statement, Mabel Lake Farms posted on its Facebook page that police were apparently on the hunt for two men.

"Mabel Lake residents, please lock your doors," the Kingfisher Road farm posted.

Residents report police vehicles with lights and sirens rushing to the area near Enderby about 4 a.m.

Bruce Ingleson wrote that police had set up a roadblock and had assault rifles out at the Kingfisher bridge.

Apparently, a cube van rolled and crashed off Walker Road, and police were sweeping down towards Dolly Varden Road through the bush.

As many as 10 police vehicles were reported in the area.

It is believed the police action is connected to an incident that may have involved a shooting in the Salmon Arm area.

Castanet will update with more details as they become available.