Armed and Barricaded standoff at Penticton motel ends safely

Penticton RCMP file # 2016-16577

On Wednesday evening at 1030 pm, the Penticton RCMP responded to a report of a male who claimed he had shot himself and was barricaded in a motel room at the Skaha Lake Lodge, 4201 Skaha Lake Road. The male stated that he would shoot anyone that came to his room, claiming that he had firearms. 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 and closed Highway 97 due to the close proximity to the motoring public.

The male was identified as a 25 year old Kelowna resident with a Criminal Record that included a number of past violent offences. All units of the motel were evacuated and the occupants were transported by bus to the Penticton Regional Airport for warmth and shelter. Communication was made with the man, and after 6 hours of negotiations he was safely taken into custody. The male was suffering from self-inflicted wounds that were not firearm related. No firearms were located on scene and there was no evidence that any had been used.

At this point the male is being detained under the Mental Health Act at Penticton Regional Hospital and it is not anticipated that any Criminal Charges will be pursued. The Penticton RCMP would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this highly tense situation that ended peacefully.