By Greg Fry

Crime

Suspect in Vanderhoof shooting identified

Nov 26, 2021 | 12:08 PM

VANDERHOOF — The name of the suspect in yesterday’s (Nov.25) shooting in Vanderhoof has been revealed.

He is Paul Nicholas Russell and he’s been charged with one count of attempted murder with a firearm. Russell has a court appearance scheduled for 1 p.m. this afternoon in Williams Lake.

It follows yesterday’s active shooting incident that started during the noon hour. Police allege Russell fired multiple rounds at the Vanderhoof RCMP detachment and police vehicles parked at the detachment before being arrested a short time later.

Chief Superintendent Warren Brown says the shots were fired at the detachment while well over a dozen employees were working.

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“I am told that bullets smashed through exterior windows striking walls, equipment, and flying past work stations where police officers and office staff sat,” he says.

“Terrible accounts where our employees were deafened by gun fire, could smell burning gun powder, and threw themselves on the ground to avoid being shot.”

He says it’s believed that this was a targeted attack on the RCMP and don’t believe there to be any threat to the community.

In a statement from Vanderhoof mayor and council, they say they are grateful the province’s emergency alert system worked, and that residents were able to shelter in place while police tracked down the suspect.

If you have any information about this incident, or are able to share video, you are asked to call the Vanderhoof RCMP at (250)567-2222.