Five suspects were detained following multiple reports that involved a stolen vehicle and firearms.
Photo from media release
The local RCMP received a report on February 19, just after 7:30 am stating that a pickup had been stolen from a driveway that was located on the 9800 block of 112 Avenue in Fort St. John
Between 7:40pm and 8:53pm, two more reports were received by the RCMP after civilians had managed to locate the stolen pickup, which was stuck in the area of 227 Road near Montney, BC.
The stolen vehicle was accompanied by multiple suspects and other vehicles according to the release, who reportedly pointed guns at the civilians who were responsible for locating the stolen pickup.
Due to reports of firearms in the area and to ensure the safety of everyone involved, the North District Emergency Response Team (ERT) was deployed to assist in locating and apprehending the individuals. Additionally, the Fort St. John RCMP enlisted the support of a civilian drone operator to aid in the search efforts.
In total, five people were apprehended including Gavin Davis, who was arrested on his outstanding warrants according to the release.
Including the stolen truck from the initial report, three vehicles were seized by the RCMP as well.
“The Fort St John RCMP did an outstanding job responding to this high-risk incident involving armed suspects. Their swift actions and containment of the area ensured the safety of civilians at the scene and led to the arrest of five individuals without incident," said Acting Officer In Charge of the Fort St John Detachment, Jaime Moffat. "Though this event was safely resolved it is a reminder that if you witness suspicious activity, please call the police rather than confront the suspects yourself, as public safety is paramount to the Fort St John RCMP.”
At the time of the initial release (Feb. 20), five individuals remained in police custody. Since then, the following charges have been formally laid:
Gavin Davis, who was also arrested on outstanding warrants, faces charges of Possession of Stolen Property over $5000, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Breach of Release Order, Robbery, and Uttering Threats. This individual has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance on March 6.
Jack Capot Blanc has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 and Pointing a Firearm at a Person. He remains in custody, with his next court date set for February 25.
Shianne Etzerza has been charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 and was released on a Release Order, with a scheduled court date of February 24.
Barbara Reno has also been charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 under section 355(a). Unfortunately, she was released on a Release Order and is set to appear in court on February 24.
Jakob Sherwood was arrested and charged with Possession of Stolen Property over $5000 under section 355(a). Unfortunately, he was also released on a Release Order, with a court date scheduled for February 24, 2025.
The Fort St. John RCMP continue their investigation and encourage anyone with information regarding this matter to contact them at 250-787-8100.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.
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