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Five-hour standoff ends peacefully in Terrace, B.C.

Terrace RCMP, Search and Rescue, BC Ambulance and volunteer worked as team to help resolve the situation, says inspector.

A five-hour standoff in the rain on the banks of the Skeena River ended peacefully with a man being taken into custody without incident on Saturday, November 12th.

"The teamwork among the Terrace detachment members and with the Terrace Search and Rescue, BC Ambulance, and an RCMP volunteer that was seconded at the last minute was exemplary. This was the major contributing factor in this situation being resolved peacefully. I am very proud of the good work and judgement of the men and woman involved in this incident," says Inspector Syd Lecky, OIC Terrace RCMP Detachment.

Police were called to a motel on Hwy 16 east shortly after 4 a.m. on a report of a woman having escaped from a man who was holding her against her will. The man involved in this incident had fled the motel. Police located the man shortly after 9 a.m. in the area of the 3000 block of Hwy 16 east and Frontage Rd. The man fled from police.

Police Dog Eli and handler tracked the man through Thornhill and into a wooded area across Seaton St. The team and others members had to cross a waist high creek to continue the track and caught up to the man at the bank of the Skeena River. The man had a knife and was threatening himself and police. He was contained to this area.

Terrace Search and Rescue were called in to assist police and launched the rescue boat as support. BC Ambulance also provided support throughout the lengthy event. After five hours of negotiations, the man surrendered himself to police without incident shortly after 2 p.m. He was taken to Mills Memorial Hospital to be assessed due to exposure to the elements.

Darcy Hurst, 53, has been charged with Confining, Imprisoning, or Forcibly Seizing a person, Uttering Threats, Assault, Sexual Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Extortion, Mischief, Fraud over $5,000. He remains in custody.

If you have information about crime, contact the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-800-222-TIPS, online at www.terracecrimestoppers.ca or by texting keyword TERRACE followed by your message to 274637 (CRIMES).