![Three arrests connected to an alleged Kidnapping in Merritt as police decry recent violence](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/1605/files/2021/10/rcmp-car-1.jpg)
The RCMP in Merritt have made three arrests after blocking off a section of the community on Friday afternoon.
“Merritt RCMP have arrested and charged three suspects involved in a kidnapping,” said Merritt RCMP in a release.
The Mounties say on Friday, shortly after 1:00 pm, officers heard a gunshot in the 1300 block of Priest Avenue.
When back-up arrived in the area, a dark coloured sedan was seen speeding away from the area.
The sedan was located a short way away, at a home in the 1700 block of Nicola Avenue.
Emergency Response Teams were called to assist in clearing a residence in the area.
The RCMP says the suspects attempted to bolt when they arrived, but say they were able to track them down later.
The alleged kidnapping victim was found unhurt.
“Three suspects, identified as Braeden Shane Drake, Mark Ethan Giesbrecht, and William Joseph Lavoie, have been charged by indictment for hostage taking with a firearm, and entering a dwelling house without lawful excuse to commit an indictable offence,” said Merritt RCMP. “All are currently being held in custody.”
While the Mounties have not said whether this incident is connected, it follows two separate shootings in and around Merritt through the week, including a home being hit with gunfire earlier on Friday.
Tuesday saw three different locations hit with an estimated 100 rounds of gunfire.
In both cases, no one was hit.
“There has been a brazen disregard for public safety recently in our community, and having these individuals off our streets will hopefully restore a sense of security back to the community,” said Sergeant Josh Roda, acting Commander of the Merritt RCMP. “We want to thank the public for their patience as we worked diligently to mitigate any further risk.”