News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

** Update

The RCMP has confirmed the identity of the man who was shot by an RCMP officer on Sept 26, 2009 in the First Nations community of Kisgegas, as 35 year old Rodney Shane Jackson, a member of the Gitanmaax First Nations Band.

Rodney Shane Jackson had been actively avoiding apprehension by the police since September 2008, and was believed to be in the Smithers and New Hazelton areas in the recent past.  Jackson had 5 unendorsed criminal code warrants outstanding for his arrest, and one family court warrant as of Sept 26, 2009.

The warrants included charges of violence in relationship assault, uttering threats, obstructing a peace officer, trafficking of controlled substances, failure to attend court, and a family court matter.

Police believe that Jackson had been living in several different locations, including remote wilderness camps in order to evade police. The Smithers and New Hazelton RCMP had previously disseminated media releases seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Jackson on the outstanding warrants. The public had also been made aware that Jackson was considered violent.

As a result of these media releases, the New Hazelton RCMP had, on several occasion received information from the public, that Jackson had been seen in the community of Kisgegas. On more than one occasion RCMP members attended immediately and located Jackson, however he was able to flee and avoid apprehension.

Posted:  Saturday, 26 September 2009 19:49

NEW HAZELTON, BC - On September 26th, 2009, Hazelton RCMP, the Police Dog Service and North District Emergency Response Team members attempted to apprehend a male wanted on five (5) Criminal Code Warrants. Information was received from the public that the male was armed with a rifle and residing in a remote area approximately 70 kms north of Hazelton.

At approximately 10am, members of the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Service located the suspect and one other male, both armed. During the arrest, the suspect sustained a gun shot wound and was taken to Hazelton Hospital, however, he was pronounced dead on arrival. The second male was taken into custody without injury. No police officers were harmed in the incident.

Details of the incident are limited and still coming in. RCMP 'E' Division Major Crimes are en route to the scene. The investigation will be led by an Inspector from the Delta Police Department. In addition, the investigative team will include a member of the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP, who will act as an independent observer to provide civilian oversight in the investigation.

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