Executive Summary
- RCMP confirm one suspect is dead following an active shooter alert at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
- Residents in Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, and Dawson Creek have been asked to shelter in place.
- Police are investigating whether a second suspect is involved in the incident.
- Local schools have been placed under hold and secure protocols.
One suspect has been confirmed dead following an emergency alert regarding an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders for residents in Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and surrounding areas as the investigation continues.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Kris Clark stated that the individual found dead is believed to be the subject of the initial emergency alert. The alert described the suspect as a woman with brown hair wearing a dress. Clark noted that police are actively working to determine whether a second suspect was involved, acknowledging that chaotic incidents often generate conflicting reports regarding the number of shooters.
“I don’t have any details on the identity or the age or any of that information of the suspect at this time,” Clark told reporters. The RCMP has not yet confirmed the number of individuals injured or requiring assistance, though they stated the situation remains fluid.
School District 59 officials confirmed via their website that a “hold and secure” lockdown was initiated at both Tumbler Ridge Secondary and the nearby Tumbler Ridge Elementary School. Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka stated he was sheltering in place and would provide updates as more information became available. Additionally, Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld announced he was returning to his riding immediately to coordinate provincial resources and support the community.
Investigative Outlook
While the discovery of the deceased suspect suggests the immediate threat may be neutralized, law enforcement is maintaining a cautious perimeter to definitively rule out the presence of accomplices. The priority for investigators now shifts to identifying the deceased, establishing a motive, and processing the scene at the secondary school. Residents are urged to remain indoors and monitor official channels until the shelter-in-place order is formally rescinded. It is important to note that the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are meticulously verifying all witness accounts before releasing further conclusions.
