A former resident of Osoyoos was arrested peacefully in Oliver last Wednesday after he was allegedly seen on someone’s property with a rifle.
David McLaughlin, 28, was charged with breach of probation and a firearms offence. He has since been ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment prior to his next court appearance.
Sergeant Blaine Gervais of the Oliver RCMP said the incident began at approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday when a resident on Road 5 reported that a man had entered onto his property.
“The male had what appeared to be a rifle, was not engaging with the homeowner and when he was told to leave he departed the property,” Gervais said.
Police from Osoyoos, Oliver and Penticton attended the call and identified a 5th wheel trailer parked in the yard of a nearby residence to which the suspicious male had returned.
“Members for two and a half hours attempted to get the male to exit the trailer so his intentions could be determined, without success,” Gervais said.
Members were not able to identify the male who was observed pacing in his trailer, only looking out the window but not speaking to members on scene.
During the daylight hours members were able to identify the man as McLaughlin, who previously resided in the Osoyoos community.
Gervais said McLaughlin suffers from a mental health issue as a result of a brain injury. The officer noted the man has a history of illicit drug use, and combined with his mental state, this can create erratic, sometimes violent behaviour.
Gervais stated that RCMP members placed themselves at great risk to get close enough to the trailer in an attempt to negotiate with McLaughlin, who eventually exited the trailer in a safe manner. A loaded rifle was located and seized for evidence.
Oliver RCMP requested a court order that McLaughlin undergo a psychiatric assessment and treatment prior to being considered for release.
He is currently in custody facing several Criminal Code charges.
Gervais said the Oliver RCMP would like to thank emergency health services for standing by in the event someone was injured.
“The area was rural and the risk to the general public was limited,” Gervais said.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
