A large police presence on Vancouver Island’s Ditidaht First Nation on Saturday began after a man was found deceased inside a home.
RCMP stated that officers were called to the residence shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Upon their arrival, they discovered a deceased man at the scene. Due to the circumstances, additional support units, including the Emergency Response Team (ERT), were called to assist.
RCMP said that an adult male suspect was arrested without incident shortly afterward, with assistance from the ERT. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is now leading the investigation.
“Police believe this to be an isolated incident and do not feel there is any further risk to the general public,” RCMP said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, at approximately 11 a.m., the Ditidaht First Nation asked its residents to stay indoors with windows closed and locked while police were on the scene.
In a subsequent update at around 2:30 p.m., the Nation announced that the RCMP had the situation “under control,” although officers would remain in the community for the next several days.
In a statement, the Ditidaht First Nation expressed its condolences, noting that community health support services will be available in the coming days, including resources from the First Nations Health Authority, a spiritual support person, and a counsellor.
“Food is being brought to the community hall this evening for those who wish to sit together, please join us,” said the Nation on Saturday afternoon, adding that dinners would be arranged for the next few days as well.
The Nation emphasized its respect for the families involved and chose not to release any names on Saturday. “The families of those involved are asking for gentleness and kindness as we seek the truth, together as one,” said the statement. “We encourage everyone to be with one another for support during this time. Thank you for understanding.”
