RCMP arrests relative of Tumbler Ridge shooter

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Alberta RCMP have arrested a man related to the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooter. 

Alberta RCMP arrested Jacob Van Rootselaar on Friday, February 19th in Sylvan Lake. 

Corporal Troy Savinkoff, a public information officer for Alberta RCMP, told Energeticcity.ca that Van Rootselaar is related to Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old who killed eight people in Tumbler Ridge on February 10th. 

“He was arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon in Red Deer, an additional charge of  possession of weapon for dangerous purpose and five counts of failing to comply with release conditions,” Savinkoff said.  

According to Savinkoff, a Canada-wide warrant was also issued to Jacob for an incident in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

The warrant was for allegedly breaking and entering and attempted murder on October 15, 2024. 

“He was taken before [a] Justice of the Peace and remanded in custody today in Red Deer.”