Three people arrested during police scene on the Coquihalla

MERRITT – Three people were arrested in relation to the police scene that closed Highway 5 heading towards Hope yesterday (November 23) for several hours.

“Out of an abundance of caution the highway was closed for several hours while we searched the area for these suspects,” said Sergeant Josh Roda, A/Detachment Commander Merritt RCMP. “Without knowing their identities or their intentions, and reports indicating they were armed, we felt it was best to keep all members of the public from the scene.”

Police said a traffic stop was initiated with a black Dodge Ram pickup truck, however the vehicle fled and went down a side road. The vehicle then became stuck with the three occupants running from the truck with witnesses stating one had a firearm.

Merritt RCMP and the South-East District Emergency Response Team responded to he area and started searching for the suspects. One woman was located and arrested shortly after but the other two male suspects remained at large.

After searching for several hours, officers said the two men were located and arrested without incident.

Through more investigation it had been determined that the Dodge truck was stolen out of Coquitlam and the license plate attached was stolen out of Langley.

“We are aware of the online speculation on the identities of these suspects. Although we are in the preliminary stages of this investigation, there is no indication that these suspects are related to any recent high-profile events in the lower mainland, or Merritt,” Roda added.

RCMP is asking any witnesses that may have dash-camera video or those who may have been in the area between 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. to please contact the Merritt RCMP detachment.

The BC Highway Patrol along with Merritt RCMP would like to thank the following for their help in the incident:

• The commercial truck drivers who located the stolen vehicle and relayed this information to the RCMP immediately
• The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure who quickly assisted in shutting down the Coquihalla highway recognizing the threat being faced by those travelling on it
• The Trans Mountain Expansion employees and staff who quickly followed directions in order to remain safe
• The public who were inconvenienced by the highway shut down