Two men were arrested following a six-hour standoff in Williams Lake New Year’s Eve.
Police have identified Mitchell Nicholas Jeff as one of the men but have not released the identity of the other.
Just after 7 p.m. on December 31, officers responded to a firearms complaint in the 900-Block of Western Avenue in Williams Lake. Officers ensured the safety of the victims, and the accused’s house was surrounded and contained.
Police officers made contact with Jeff and he was arrested, however, Jeff and the other occupant of the residence refused to leave the residence. Given the involvement of a firearm, the RCMP Emergency Response Team was activated, and were able to safely arrest both men. The Emergency Response Team deals with situations where extreme danger/firearms are above the ability of detachments. Team members are highly trained and are specialized experts in weapons and a variety of tactics.
A search warrant was executed on the residence on January 1, 2022, and police are recommending the following charges against Jeff.
- Uttering threats.
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
- Pointing a firearm.
- Obstructing a police officer.
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized.
- Possession of a firearm contrary to order.
- Fail to comply with a release order.
Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
“While the victims in this instance are known to the accused, they are not believed to be involved in criminal behaviour with the accused,” said Cpl. Brett Squire, media relations officer. “This incident was not random, and there is no risk to the general public.”
Mitchell Jeff has been remanded into custody, and will have his next court appearance on January 4. Police have not released the fate or identity of the second man arrested.