The criminal investigation that led police to a residence on Mountainview Ave. in Thornhill for the day yesterday continues.
A warrant of arrest has been issued for Samuel Kenneth Ratchford for Assault, reported Terrace RCMP this morning.
The Terrace RCMP investigation to date involving Samuel Kenneth Ratchford relates to incidents which are alleged to have taken place over a period of several weeks.
This ongoing investigation resulted in the Terrace RCMP attempting to locate Ratchford at a residence on Mountainview Ave., on Wednesday October 5, 2016.
At the time of police attendance to the residence and as a precautionary safety measure, the immediate surrounding household occupants were asked to stay inside and the public was asked to avoid the contained area.
An outright evacuation of nearby homes then followed.
"The decision to evacuate the area was made when it came to our attention that a gas stove inside of the residence involved had been left on. This created a public safety concern for the neighbors and our members dealing with the situation.
"The assistance of the Thornhill Fire Department and Pacific North Gas was greatly appreciated in helping us deal with this concern", says Sgt. Shawn McLaughlin, Acting officer in command (OIC) Terrace RCMP Detachment.
Once it was deemed safe to enter the home, however, Ratchford was not located inside.
Samuel Kenneth Ratchford is described as:
• 31 years old, Caucasian
• 168 cm (5 ft 6 inches)
• 82 kg (181 lbs)
• brown hair
• blue eyes
Anyone seeing Ratchford is asked to contact 911 immediately, and the public is reminded to not approach this individual.
If anyone knows the current whereabouts of Samuel Kenneth Ratchford, or have information about this matter, they are asked to contact the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-8477.