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Penticton RCMP take violent man into custody after six hour standoff

Penticton RCMP had a six-hour, overnight standoff with a man with a violent past.
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Penticton RCMP

A six-hour, overnight standoff between police and a man with a violent past, claiming to have a weapon and a hostage ended peacefully this morning at the Lakeside Villa Inn and Suites on Highway 97, just south of Airport Road.

According to Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth of the Penticton RCMP the initial 911 call from the 25-year-man, believed to be from Kelowna, came in at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, saying he had shot himself.

“He claimed to have a sawed off shotgun and would shoot anybody who came into the room,” said Wrigglesworth. “So all police officers as well as the emergency response team members attended and all the units in the motel were evacuated and the people were bussed to the (Penticton Regional) airport.”

Police observed blood in the area of the unit occupied by the man.

After the successful negotiations, the man was taken into custody under the mental health act and transported to Penticton Regional Hospital.

No weapon was found and the man did suffer some injuries police believe may have been self inflicted, but not from a firearm.

The man has an extensive criminal record and is well known to police. He is also prohibited from having firearms.

Traffic was stopped in both directions for the entire time due to concerns for public safety, especially with the proximity of the motel to the highway.

“In this case there was no other alternative,” said Wrigglesworth.

Penticton RCMP, Southeast District Emergency Response team members, Crisis Negotiators, Police Dog Services as well as members of Southeast District Traffic Services responded to the call.

Read more: Highway 97 opened after police incident