The Prince George RCMP with the assistance of the North District RCMP have concluded our operation in a local neighbourhood. Residents in a six block square area had been evacuated and advised not to return for the 12 hour period involved in the stand-off.

At approximately 3:30 am on Wednesday April 24th, 2013, members of the North District Emergency Response Team entered a residence and apprehended Robert Lee MILLIGAN, 30 years old, who was considered to be armed and dangerous. Firearms were located in the residence and MILLIGAN was in possession of a quantity of illicit drugs at the time of his arrest.

MILLIGAN was wanted by police on a number of serious offences stemming from an incident that occurred on the 1400 block of Jarvis Street in Prince George on April 3rd, 2013.

MILLIGAN has an extensive history of violence and unpredictability with both the public and the police. Many incidents or reports involved firearms, including this one.

Before 3:00 pm on Tuesday April 23rd, Police supervisors overseeing this operation made the unusual but necessary decision to close off a residential area encompassing approximately 100 homes. This precaution was taken as a result of public safety concerns. Some residents within the area were requested to evacuate their homes due to the close proximity to the residence MILLIGAN was believed to have been in. The residence is located near the intersection of Dezell Drive and Patterson Street.

At approximately 10;00 pm on Tuesday April 23rd, the police perimeter was reduced and residents of approximately 50 homes were allowed back on to their properties. The remaining residents were not allowed into their homes until the conclusion of the operation at approximately 3:30 am.

“The support and understanding for our efforts to keep the public safe, was overwhelming” says Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP. “With the exception of very few, most persons affected by this situation were patient and co-operative towards the officers. We need to thank all those persons that were affected by this, whether it be residents, their friends and families or the businesses such as pharmacies and hotels that accommodated those in need … Thank You! Public safety is not something we can take lightly and we really appreciate the support.”

MILLIGAN will be held in custody at least until his first Court appearance expected to be later today. This investigation is continuing and the possibility of further charges has not been ruled out.

RCMP source