~Contributed by Prince Rupert RCMP
On March 3rd, 2012 at approximately 12:25 AM members of the Prince Rupert RCMP responded to a complaint of a disturbance and gun being brandished at 628 3rd Avenue West in Prince Rupert.
Upon arrival at the scene police secured the area to ensure public safety. Once the area was secure police entered into the building and located the apartment in which the complaint was received. Three occupants were located inside the residence and two men and one women were directed to exit, and subsequently taken into custody. Further investigation determined that one of the men had been observed in the apartment brandishing what appeared to be handgun. Based on this information police made an application to a Judge to execute a search.
At approximately 6:05 AM members of the Prince Rupert General Investigation Section and General Duty executed a search warrant at 628 3rd Avenue West, for the purpose of locating and seizing a firearm. Despite police efforts no handgun was located.
Further investigation determined that at the time the complaint was received there had been a dispute over the alleged sale of narcotics. This prompted an argument and during the dispute two of the men involved threatened a third man.
"Now that we have additional facts, this investigation appears to have all of the earmarking's of a drug deal gone wrong," stated Cst. Ericson spokesman for the Prince Rupert RCMP.
"This appears to be an isolated incident and we are wanting to re-assure the public that their safety is not in any jeopardy".
As a result of this investigation two Prince Rupert area men were arrested for Uttering Threats and were later released from custody on various police imposed conditions. Both men are scheduled to appear before the Prince Rupert Provincial Law Courts in early April 2012.