Standoff In Kamloops Restaurant

KAMLOOPS – The Southeast District Emergency Response Team has been called to assist in an ongoing incident at the Denny’s Restaurant at 6th and Columbia Street in downtown Kamloops.  In a news release, RCMP Sergeant Brandon Buliziuk said Mounties are dealing with a barricaded man inside the restaurant, and says it’s a current risk to public safety.

Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says it was prompted by an unhappy customer.  “Early this morning a male went into Denny’s as a customer. After receiving his bill, he made a threat. The wait staff alerted the other employees and customers who all evacuated the building, leaving the man alone inside of the restaurant.”

When police attended the restaurant, Shelkie says the suspect closed all of the blinds to the restaurant.  “At one point, the male did exit one of the restaurant doors, he was brandishing a knife. When confronted with officers, the suspect went back into the restaurant.”  As a precautionary measure, Shelkie says the natural gas has been shut off to the restaurant.

Meantime, police have the restaurant surrounded and are attempting to establish contact with the suspect inside.