POLICE are now saying the man said to be at the center of a stand off with officers yesterday in Thornhill wasn't inside the house they entered after having it surrounded for hours.
And a warrant has been issued for Samuel Kenneth Ratchford for assault.
Police are also warning the public to stay away from Ratchford if spotted and to call 911.
“We know he was in the house, the residence was contained,” said Terrace RCMP media relations / community policing Const. Angela Rabut.
“Public safety is our number one concern and when it was learned that a gas stove was left on, the decision was made to pull back and evacuate the neighbours.
“When it was safe to continue with the primary purpose of our presence at the residence, he was no longer in the residence.”
News of the warrant came through just before noon today, approximately 18 hours after police entered a house on Mountainview Ave. only to find Ratchford was not inside.
“The is a BC warrant,” said Rabut.
“The assault warrant stems from our investigation that started several weeks ago.
“We are asking the public not to approach him.”