Disruption at hotel leads to arrest and charges

A 33-year-old Houston man faces a firearms charge after police were called to a local hotel Thursday morning.

On January 12, 2023 at 12:39 a.m., the Smithers RCMP were called to a report of suspicious circumstances at hotel on Highway 16. Reports indicated that an altercation had allegedly occurred between two occupants and that one was said to be in possession of a firearm. Out of an abundance of caution, adjoining rooms were evacuated and police set up containment. A woman eventually exited the room and, although she appeared to be physically uninjured, she was taken to a local area hospital for any medical treatment she might require. A short while later, a man exited through the second-floor window and attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. The man was also taken to a local area hospital to be assess for any injury he may have sustained while exiting the building.

The evacuation of hotel guests, although for their safety, caused significant disruption, said Staff Sergeant Mark Smaill, of the Smithers RCMP. Fortunately, the situation was quickly, and safely, resolved allowing evacuated guests to return to their rooms.

Erik Vigneaux faces a charge of unauthorized possession of a firearm and is scheduled to appear in Court virtually on January 13, 2023.