DEASE LAKE, BC – The Dease Lake RCMP flew in at first daylight to a mining camp last Friday, to arrest a mining operation employee, after the man allegedly went on a sudden rampage damaging a company helicopter.

On Friday July 12, 2013 at around 01:30 am, the Dease Lake RCMP received a report from an isolated mining camp that an employee (helicopter pilot) had shot up and attempted to set a helicopter on fire at the camp. The report received indicated that the man had without any previous signs of distress, began acting irrationally that night. The man, armed with a shotgun and safety flares rode an ATV up and down the camp air strip and damaged a helicopter owned by his employer. Witnesses reported observing the man discharge the shotgun several times at the helicopter. The man was also seen attempting to set it on fire and eventually causing extensive damage to the machine by the end of what was described as a severe emotional break-down.

The Dease Lake RCMP had been advised that the situation had been de-escalated for the time being and staff were anxiously awaiting their arrival as soon as possible. Given the isolated location of the camp in the Klappan Mountain area, approximately 103 km southeast of Dease Lake, local RCMP had to await daybreak to fly in to arrest the 37 yr old Ontario man.

The man was taken into custody without incident that morning and was transported by the RCMP to the Dease Lake RCMP detachment for a full assessment of any medical needs by a medical practitioner. The man was released from police custody on a promise to appear in court on August 27, 2013 in Dease Lake with a proposed charge of Mischief. The investigation is ongoing with further consideration of firearm related charges being contemplated.

“We are certainly thankful that no one was injured during this incident and thankful that others at the camp had the mindfulness to seize an opportunity and safely disarm the man.” Stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk

The man remains in the care of the medical practitioners.