UPDATED: Armed man found and getting medical care
By Lone Sheep Publishing
An armed American man suffering mental illness issues prompted a police warning to the public last week. The man is now in custody of authorities and is receiving treatment.
“On Friday, March 24, at 2:28 p.m., frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers were alerted to a 42-year-old Washington man in possession of a bow, arrows, and a hunting knife on a rural property in the 5000 block of Old Rossland-Cascade Highway, near Rossland,” said Trail RCMP NC/oic Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. “The man was allegedly in the country without authorization, as he did not cross through a designated border station. Officers made contact with the man who fled into in the sparsely populated area.”
Trail RCMP issued a media release that warned residents in the area to lock up their residences and secure their vehicles.
Wicentowich said a police operation was conducted in the area and the man was found next to a campfire after an extensive search, which involved RCMP Police Dog Services, Southeast District Containment Team and the Emergency Response Team. Officers took the man into custody without incident and he was held at the Trail Detachment.
“On March 27, 2023, Canada Border Services Agency took custody of the 42-year-old Washington man and is conducting an investigation under the Immigration Act. Trail RCMP is not pursuing any criminal charges at this time.
We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation during this investigation to bring it to a safe conclusion, Wicentowich said.
In a poignant Facebook comment on the previous article, the man’s sister described his struggles with schizophrenia, and in doing so, injected human understanding into the situation. The Castlegar Source would like to extend our sincerest thanks to her for bringing much-needed empathy to the post and subsequent conversation.
Previous coverage:
On Friday, March 24, at 2:28 p.m., frontline Trail RCMP officers located and confronted a US Citizen armed with a hunting knife on a property in the 5000 block of Old Rossland-Cascade Hwy, near Rossland,” According to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. “The man fled after contact with officers and is still at large in the sparsely populated area.
“The man is described as Caucasian, 6’0” tall, approximately 30-35 years old, with brown hair, armed with a large hunting knife, and wearing a t-shirt and light coloured cargo pants. The man goes by the name “Levi Sweet”.
“Residents near the property are asked to lock their residences and secure their vehicles until further notice. A police operation will be ongoing in the area.
“Please do not approach the man or attempt to intervene. Please contact the Trail Detachment 250-364-2566 to report any sightings or contact or if you know the whereabouts of this man.”
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