An ongoing investigation started earlier this year by the Targeted Enforcement Unit out of Kamloops culminated in Chase on Tuesday, April 22 with the help of multiple agencies.  

In a report to council, new Chase Sgt. Stephen Newport provided an update on the heavy police presence in the village that morning after "identifying a target that was here in Chase," and executing a search warrant for firearms. Due to the weapons creating a higher risk situation, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was called in from 琉璃神社 to help 鈥渕ake it safer for not only the community, but the residents that we鈥檙e after and our members.鈥�

A media release from Kamloops Sgt. Kevin McIntyre also indicated that "due to the high-risk nature of the operation, chemical agents have been deployed," but assured residents they weren't harmful. 

During the search warrant, officers found what they suspected to be explosives so the Explosive Disposal Unit was called in from the Lower Mainland as well, arriving late afternoon. Newport added that once it was deemed safe, officers would continue searching the residence and doing scene security overnight. 

"There's no arrests made today, as of yet, but there will be some charges pending as a result of the search warrant," he told council. "I can鈥檛 get into too many specifics on the actual investigation itself as it is still an active investigation, but... charges are certainly going to be coming out of that one.鈥�

Mayor David Lepsoe thanked Newport for his work since arriving in late January to fill the head role, and added the former sergeant had kept "us in line."

"It's good to have a sergeant commander here," he commented. "And I think everybody appreciates what you did today, so thank you very much."