Three men arrested after kidnapping during Fridays incidents

MERRITT – Merritt RCMP have arrested and charged three men involved in a kidnapping.

Yesterday (November 18) afternoon, police heard another gunshot in the 1300 block of Priest Avenue and saw a dark coloured sedan speeding away. The sedan was later located near a residence in the 1700 block of Nicola Avenue.

The South East District Emergency Response Team (SED ERT) were called in to assist clear residents in the area and set up a blockade.

“We want to thank the public for their patience as we worked diligently to mitigate any further risk,” said Sgt Josh Roda

After an attempt to flee, officers said the suspects were arrested and the victim was found uninjured.

Braeden Shane Drake, Mark Ethan Giesbrecht, and William Joseph Lavoie have now been charged with hostage taking with a firearm, and entering a dwelling house without lawful excuse to commit an indictable offence.

All three are currently being held in custody.

“There has been a brazen disregard for public safety recently in our community, and having these individuals off our streets will hopefully restore a sense of security back to the community,” said Roda.

If anyone still has information on any shooting that has taken place since November 15, please contact Merritt RCMP.