'Active shooter' alert issued by Tumbler Ridge RCMP

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The scene outside the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre on February 10th. (Submitted)

Update, February 10th, 4:25 p.m.: This story has been updated with more information from the RCMP and others.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Police officers are searching for a possible second suspect in the Tumbler Ridge active shooting after the first was found dead, as well as working to confirm the “number of victims.”

Tumbler Ridge RCMP were called to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at 1:20 p.m. today (February 10th), and an emergency alert issued by the detachment this afternoon warned the community about an ‘active shooter.’

Additional police resources are being deployed to the area from neighbouring detachments, along with the North District Emergency Response Team, a press release from the BC RCMP said.

An RCMP helicopter landing in Tumbler Ridge amid the ‘active shooter’ incident on February 10th. (Submitted)

STARS air ambulance confirmed to Energeticcity.ca it has dispatched an aircraft to the Tumbler Ridge area, and the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) said it is “working collaboratively with our colleagues in Northern Health and the RCMP.”

RCMP officers have “no confirmation at this time on the number of individuals injured or requiring assistance.”

The public alert says the first alleged suspect was a ‘female’ in a dress with brown hair. However, the RCMP release says she has now been found dead and officers are working to “determine whether a second suspect was involved.”

Residents have been told to “stay inside and shelter in place, lock your doors and refrain from leaving your home or business at this time.”

The alert issued by Tumbler Ridge RCMP about the ‘active shooter.’ (Submitted)

The alert also asked people to report anything suspicious to law enforcement and to not attend school unless directed.

School District 59 has also posted to say Tumbler Ridge Secondary and Tumbler Ridge Elementary schools are on lockdown.

“We are asking people to have patience as we work with the RCMP,” the school district said.

Manda Maggs, Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark executive director, told Energeticcity.ca staff at the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre – which is run by the geopark on behalf of the District of Tumbler Ridge – saw people being moved from the school to the community centre.

She said there was a “huge RCMP presence.”

There is a “huge RCMP presence” in Tumbler Ridge on February 10th. (Submitted)

“We know so many of the people that work at the high school and attend the high school, it feels very personal,” she said.

Tumbler Ridge mayor Darryl Krakowka could not offer more information when contacted by Energeticcity.ca for comment, but said the RCMP will do their best to handle the situation.

“We have the RCMP in town, and more [RCMP] members have come into town,” said Krakowka. “[Residents should] just follow the alert that says to stay in and lock your doors and shelter in place.”

Larry Neufeld, Peace River South MLA, issued a written statement: “Public safety is the absolute priority. I urge everyone in the area to follow RCMP instructions, remain sheltered, and rely only on official updates.

“I am leaving Victoria immediately to return to my riding to be on the ground and available to support the community in any way needed. I will continue to stay closely engaged as this situation evolves.”

Energeticcity.ca will update this story when more information becomes available.