UPDATE: One man in custody following shooting incident in Courtenay

Heavily armed police officers in the Comox Valley have taken a man into custody after a shooting incident in North Courtenay Thursday.

It all unfolded after an investigator with the SPCA was allegedly shot at with a rifle by someone when they were doing an animal welfare check.

Police responded to the shots fired report at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26.

Two RCMP helicopters were on the scene flying around the area of the residence, which was located on Pickering Road, and the Emergency Response Team was called in from Nanaimo.

Additionally, frontline RCMP members, Street Crimes members, Major Crime Unit members, and Traffic Section members all attended the scene.

No one was injured but an SPCA van was seen being taken away on a flatbed tow truck.

“The RCMP Emergency Response Team, including crisis negotiators, worked with the occupants for several hours to come outside before making entry into the residence,” said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP. “We had officers in the area attending nearby residences to advise them of the situation and ensure their ongoing safety, while at the same time, advising members of the public to avoid the area. Everybody was cooperative and supportive.”

Three people were inside the home and police negotiated with the suspect.

A 55-year old Courtenay man remains in custody and is expected to face several charges, according to Comox Valley RCMP.

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