(UPDATE: March 27 @ 8:40 pm) - Emergency crews remain at the scene of a "serious incident" that drew a significant police presence to the 100 block of Adams Road on Wednesday.
Hwy 97 reopened to traffic around 7:30 pm, but the investigation is very much ongoing a block west of the highway at Reid's Corner.
However, Cpl. Michael Gauthier confirmed that the incident has come to an end and there's no more concern for public safety in the area.
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"This was a serious incident and in order to ensure everyone’s safety, it was necessary to shut down the highway and evacuate the surrounding areas until it ended," he explained.
"Because this incident also included a structure fire in the location of interest, it will take some time before our officers can safely go in and continue the investigation.”
The RCMP response included several resources, a release explained, including but not limited to General Duty, Investigative Services, Police Dog Services, the South East District Emergency Response Team and the Kelowna Fire Department.
While witnesses reported a "scary" scene and hearing gunshots, Gauthier remained tightlipped on details of the incident.
“What happened will come out in due course."
(UPDATE: March 27 @ 4:35 pm) - Both Kelowna RCMP and tactical RCMP officers are at the scene of a serious police incident near Reid's Corner.
A KelownaNow reader reported that police are using a drone in the area and there are "several ambulances waiting to help people."
The reader described the scene as "pretty scary looking."
Despite the presence of ambulances, there has been no official confirmation of injuries and police have yet to reveal the nature of the incident.
Hwy 97 remains closed between Sexsmith Road and Edwards Road, and it's significantly hampering traffic in the area.
People are advised to do whatever they can to avoid the area around Reid's Corner.
KelownaNow will continue to update this story as it develops.
(Original story: March 27 @ 3:15 pm) - RCMP officers are on the scene of an unfolding police incident near Reid’s Corner.
According to the Kelowna RCMP, there’s a “heavy police presence” due to the unfolding incident in the 100 block of Adams Road.
Because of the incident, Hwy 97 has been shut down between Sexsmith Road and Edwards Road, and traffic is being redirected away from the area.
“Police are asking the public to remain out of the area until the matter is resolved or told otherwise,” urged a Kelowna RCMP release.
KelownaNow will update this story as information becomes available.
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