Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Seabird Island First Nation band northeast of Agassiz says its reserve is under a lockdown while the RCMP search for someone in the community believed to be armed.
Seabird Island

Update: Man hospitalized, 1 in custody following lockdown on Seabird Island First Nation

Dec 16, 2024 | 11:25 AM

UPDATE 3:15 P.M., TUESDAY: A spokesperson for the Agassiz RCMP detachment says a man has been hospitalized, and another has been taken into custody, after police responded to a report of an assault involving a possible weapon on Seabird Island First Nation Monday.

According to a statement from the RCMP, Agassiz RCMP frontline members were dispatched at about 10 a.m. Monday (Dec. 16) to Seabird Island FN where they located a man who had been physically assaulted and suffered what they called serious injuries. The man was attended to by B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics and transported to hospital by ambulance.

Police say responding frontline officers quickly identified a male suspect. It was reported to authorities that the suspect had fled on foot and was believed to be carrying an unidentified weapon.

For the safety of the public, the community was put into a shelter in place, impacting two schools and the Seabird Island band office. The suspect was located and apprehended a short time later without further incident. The man remains in police custody and the investigation is ongoing.

“The quick and coordinated actions of our frontline members, along with Indigenous Policing Service (IPS), Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), BC Highway Patrol, and Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT), ensured the safety of the community and brought this situation to a safe resolution,” said Corporal Chad Raymond, spokesperson for the Agassiz RCMP.

UPDATE 3:25 P.M., MONDAY: Seabird Island now says the suspect associated with today’s community-wide lockdown in Seabird Island has been apprehended by the RCMP.

UPDATE 2:45 P.M., MONDAY: Seabird Island posted online at 2:29 p.m. Monday that the community-wide lockdown has been lifted. While a suspect has been confirmed, the person has not yet been apprehended. K-9 units are assisting, the situation has been localized and a formal statement will be shared later today.

UPDATE 11:24 A.M., MONDAY: Residents on Sthi:tsem Road in Seabird Island are being asked to remain indoors and to stay away from windows and doors at this time. “While it may feel safe to watch from your home, we kindly ask that you prioritize your household’s safety.”

Original story below from 11:25 a.m. Monday morning: 

SEABIRD ISLAND (AGASSIZ) — Seabird Island First Nation band northeast of Agassiz says its reserve is under a lockdown while the RCMP search for someone in the community believed to be armed.

According to an urgent community notice on its social media channel posted at 11:08 a.m. Monday morning (Dec. 16), Seabird Island says RCMP members are currently in the community actively searching for an individual who is armed.

All Seabird Island facilities have been locked. Residents and visitors must remain indoors, lock all exits, and are urged not to approach these individuals under any circumstances.

Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately if they witness anyone armed in the community.

The band is asking people to connect electronically with Elders, friends and loved ones.

An update will be released by Seabird Island once it is safe and the lockdown is concluded.

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