Sicamous RCMP arrest man after he barricades himself inside his residence

On March 21st, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., frontline officers with the Sicamous RCMP attempted to arrest a 55-year-old Salmo, BC man on two outstanding arrest warrants outside his RV located in an RV park in Malakwa, BC. The man ignored police commands and fled inside his trailer. Police attempted negotiations with the male to exit however he refused to do so. Police were concerned for the safety of both officers and the public in the RV park as one of the arrest warrants involved a firearms offence.

Sicamous and Salmon Arm RCMP members provided containment of the area and ensured any nearby RVs were vacant of residents. The South East District Emergency Response Team was contacted and attended to assist with arresting the barricaded male.

At 3:00 p.m., approximately five hours after the stand off began, Emergency Response Team members deployed tear gas into the RV which successfully resulted in the man exiting. He was arrested without further incident on his outstanding warrants and transported to Salmon Arm RCMP Detachment. He will be brought before a Judge on March 22nd for a scheduled bail hearing.

Several residents were prevented from returning to their RVs during the standoff and several police resources including specialized units from Kelowna were used to due the refusal of the individual to follow lawful police direction.