Two sonic booms could be heard not long before an RCMP vehicle with a long battering ram fixed to the front, drove towards the front of a residence in Williams Lake on Nov. 13, 2024.
The action was the culmination of an RCMP operation which had been going on since the morning. The 300 block of Western Avenue was closed to traffic with an RCMP presence since before 8 a.m., according to nearby residents. RCMP at barricades could be seen with long guns when the Tribune was on scene around 9 a.m.
Later in the morning, North District RCMP arrived with more manpower, more specialized equipment and full gear.
A larger area of the city was then closed off to the public. The upper part of Carson Drive was closed, along with more of Western Avenue and Clearview Crescent.
A drone was used and a police dog along with officers in combat gear stood at the ready alongside a neighbouring residence to the focus of the operation on Western Avenue.
Around noon, an armoured vehicle arrived and was fitted with a long battering ram. Police in combat gear then got into the vehicle, which parked in front of the residence.
Shortly before 3 p.m., the RCMP used sonic boom devices, sirens, and lights on the armoured vehicle. Using a loudspeaker, police then told anyone in the residence they were under arrest and ordered them to come out with their hands up.
The vehicle then lowered the battering ram and drove towards the residence.
The operation appeared to be wrapping up around 3:30 p.m. and more officers had arrived in regular uniforms.
Windows in the rear of the residence were open and some broken, the concrete fence on the front lawn was partially flattened and the front door wide open after the area was vacated by police.
Staff Sgt. Brad McKinnon said no one was in custody as of 3:30 p.m., there was no longer any concern for public safety and the investigation is ongoing.
