On March 21, 2012 at approximately 10:45 am, the New Hazleton RCMP were called to a residence in the Community of Gitsegukla. Members attended the area and learned that a possible domestic dispute had occurred.
The investigation led officers to another residence where they located the intoxicated suspect. The male was well known to police and was highly agitated. Officers were concerned as there were a number of children inside the residence.
The male threatened officers with a knife. After a lengthy negotiation the officers were able to de-escalate the situation and approach the male. As police attempted to handcuff the male a struggle ensued and officers deployed the Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) in contact stun mode. Following the deployment of the CEW, officers were able to control and secure the subject in handcuffs without further incident.
The suspect was transported to the local hospital for a medical review, as per policy, where it was determined no medical treatment was required. The officer assaulted did not require medical attention.
The Ministry of Children and Family are working closely with the family and police at this time.
The 29 year old male will be facing charges of domestic Assault, Assaulting a Police Officer with a weapon (x2), Resisting Arrest and Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.
In other police news last week, on March 16th, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the RCMP were conducting patrols near the Chevron in New Hazelton when a male was stopped and checked on the roadside.
The male, a known resident from the Two Mile area, smelled of green marijuana and was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The investigation revealed the male was carrying a back pack that had a tupperware containing several marijuana joints and the male also had several hundreds of dollars. The marijuana and money were seized and charges of possession of a controlled substance are being recommended against the male.
On March 20th, at approximately 10:36 p.m., the New Hazelton RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle motor vehicle incident on Highway 16 near Kitwanga. The vehicle, a grey Chrysler Sebring, had flipped on to its roof and was stopped in the middle of the road way. The BC Ambulance attended the scene and one of the occupants who was identified as the passenger sustained minor injuries. They were then subsequently transported and treated at Wrinch Memorial Hospital. Investigators determined the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of liquor and was arrested for impaired driving. The investigation resulted in the driver providing two breath samples and both readings were over twice the legal limit. The driver of the vehicle is a 22 year old male from the Terrace area. The police are recommending charges of impaired driving and operating a motor vehicle with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood. The investigation is still continuing and anyone who may have any information about this vehicle's driving pattern during the late evening of March 20th, are asked to please contact the New Hazelton RCMP at (250) 842-5244.