Subject of Revelstoke police standoff dies at the scene

Update 10:30 p.m.

B.C. RCMP have confirmed that the subject of the police standoff on Victoria Road in Revelstoke, B.C. today has died of injuries at the scene.

A statement released by RCMP “E” Division Communications services states Revelstoke RCMP pulled over a vehicle connected to on ongoing homicide investigation shortly before 1:30 p.m. today.

The Mountaineer has confirmed the vehicle involved in the police standoff on Victoria Road has the same license plate number and description as a vehicle police were searching for in connection with a homicide in Calgary. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

“The vehicle was tactically stopped by a combination of marked and unmarked police cars in the 700 block of Victoria Road and the driver remained inside,” Staff Sgt. Annie Linteau, senior media relations officer with E division wrote in a statement to the Mountaineer. “Officers believe the driver matched the description of the person of interest wanted for questioning and considered armed and dangerous in connection with the Calgary investigation.”

According to the statement officers set up containment around the vehicle, evacuating members of the public from nearby buildings and a three-block perimeter was established. The RCMP statement said additional emergency response resources were staged nearby. Police said efforts were made for more than five hours to establish communications with the driver who remained inside the vehicle and unresponsive.

RCMP officers in the long standoff on Victoria Road. Photo: Matt Timmins/Revelstoke Mountianeer

”The RCMP’s Southeast District Emergency Response Team was called in and at approximately 6:08 pm (PST) they deployed a noise diversion device to elicit a response from the driver, and soon afterward officers approached the vehicle and located, without incident, a lone male inside the vehicle with undetermined injuries. No shots were fired by police. BC Ambulance, who was staged nearby, was called in and provided medical assistance. The man succumbed to his injuries at scene. No other persons were injured during the incident,” said Linteau in the statement.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C., which handles investigations of police incidents that involve injury or deaths of individuals, has been notified and is investigating. The scene and any evidence has been secured and police expect to remain on scene throughout the evening. The BC Coroner Service has been contacted and will be working to positively confirm the identity of the deceased man and the exact cause of death.

Update 6:45 p.m.
A standoff between RCMP and an individual outside Grizzly Auto on Victoria Road has ended. Reports indicate that a loud stun grenade-type bang was heard about 20 minutes ago. After the explosion was heard paramedics rushed onto the scene. Police officers are currently standing by the car. A blanket was seen being put over a person on a stretcher. There is no confirmation on whether the individual is deceased. The area in question remained cordoned off.

Update: 6:15 p.m.

A loud bang or explosion was heard coming from the cordoned off area where a stand-off continues between RCMP and an individual in a silver Toyota on Victoria Road. The explosion was heard just after 6 p.m. There is no confirmation that any shots were fired. An ambulance has arrived and paramedics are now on scene.

Revelstoke RCMP are currently on scene in front of Grizzly Auto on Victoria Road where an individual has barricaded himself inside a silver Toyota Corolla sedan.

The Mountaineer has confirmed the vehicle involved in the police standoff on Victoria Road has the same license plate number and description as a vehicle police were searching for in connection with a homicide in Calgary. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Revelstoke RCMP officer Mike Park moves at the scene with his weapon drawn. Photo: Matt Timmins/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Using photography, the Mountaineer has confirmed that the Toyota Corolla involved in the police standoff on Victoria Road has the same Alberta license plate number and description as one police were searching for in connection with a homicide in the Calgary area.

Here is the link to the CBC Calgary news story about that police investigation.

The Alberta plates and vehicle description match the description provided by Alberta RCMP in connection with a homicide investigation in the Calgary area. Image: CBC Calgary News website screenshot

Here is a link to the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit statement:  Mohammadali Darabi, 32, of Calgary, is wanted in connection with the death of his roommate who was found deceased in the afternoon of Sunday, October 15.

The Revelstoke standoff is ongoing as of 5:55 p.m. lasting for more than three-hours. RCMP have moved all bystanders away from the area.

An ambulance arrived at the scene following a loud explosion. Paramedics went to the vehicle involved in the standoff. They could be seen putting a blanket over what appeared to be a person on a stretcher, although it is difficult to confirm this fact due to obstruction by other vehicles. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

Revelstoke RCMP and other emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a stand-off with an individual outside of Grizzly Plaza. RCMP are asking people to stay away from the area. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer

RCMP are asking the public to stay away from the area while they deal with the situation. Eye witness reports state that there are a number of RCMP squad cars and officers at the location including RCMP members dressed in fatigues. Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services is on scene and an ambulance is on standby. The Mountaineer did contact the Revelstoke RCMP detachment regarding the incident, however they were unable to provide details about the ongoing situation.

Traffic is currently being diverted from the area. A three-block section around Victoria Road has been blocked off. Mountaineer creative director Aaron Orlando is currently on scene close to the incident.

RCMP are using a megaphone to attempt to communicate with the individual and asking him to get out of his vehicle.

A standoff between RCMP and a man wanted in connection with the death of his Calgary roommate that began this afternoon is ongoing, and has lasted for nearly three-hours. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer.

The Revelstoke Mountaineer spoke with School District 19 superintendent Mike Hooker. Hooker said he had been in contact with the RCMP around 2 p.m. At that time RCMP indicated a minimal risk to students but a modified lock-down was implemented by the School District. Hooker said he was in contact with the RCMP again just before 2:30 p.m. and at that time police had confirmed that it was safe to dismiss students. Busses were re-routed to avoid the cordoned off area at Victoria Road. Students who were walking were directed away from the area.

The Mountaineer will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.