Squamish RCMP last week arrested a man as part of an investigation into a report of a purported kidnapping that authorities now say "appears to have been a hoax."
Police officers, including members of an emergency response team, responded to a report on Friday (Jan. 7) indicating that a Squamish resident had been kidnapped and that a $10,000 ransom was being demanded, RCMP Sgt. Murray Watt said in a statement.
Police "entered into a hostage-taking protocol" outside a home in Garibaldi Highlands, Watt said. That included police calling in an emergency response team and setting up a surveillance watch outside the home. Police officers were on the scene throughout the night, or more than 12 hours, Watt told The Chief in an email.
On Saturday (Jan. 8) morning, a male emerged from the home and was arrested. Police are now investigating the matter on suspicion of extortion and public mischief, Watt said.
