Update: Man and woman arrested after police incident in Falkland and Westwold

Update 12:30 p.m.

A man and woman are in custody following an early morning police incident in Falkland and Westwold.

The incident started after Vernon North Okanagan RCMP were made aware of a suspicious vehicle in the Falkland area at approximately 8 a.m. Police attempted to set up roadblocks to try and stop the vehicle.

“The driver failed to stop for police and allegedly fired shots from the vehicle as it fled from our officers, posing a serious risk to public safety,” said Const. Joecelyn Noseworthy of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

A tire deflation device was deployed and officers stopped the vehicle just east of Westwold.

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The incident triggered a large police presence with the Southeast District Emergency Response Team, RCMP Police Dog Services, and a RCMP fixed wing aircraft from Kelowna Air Services, aiding in the arrest.

Westwold Elementary was put on lock down but the order has since been lifted.

The RCMP say they are unaware of any injuries that resulted from the incident.

Hwy. 97 is still closed between Falkland and Westwold, while police process the scene.

Police are advising drivers to check Drive BC for updates.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has video is asked to contact the North Okanagan RCMP at 250-546-3028.

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Original story

A police incident has closed Highway 97 near Westwold.

A caller into the newsroom said traffic is at a standstill along Highway 97 past Falkland and several RCMP vehicles are on scene.

The caller said people appear to be held up near a church.

A spike belt was reportedly used on the road and police have reportedly made an arrest.

It’s not confirmed but there are reports of multiple shots fired.

According to DriveBC the incident is at Westwold Station Road. A detour is not available.

Vernon Matters has reached out to the RCMP for more details.