Ridge Meadows RCMP arrested six men Tuesday morning after a break-and-enter and subsequent shooting at a Maple Ridge summer camp.
Police were called to the Timberline Ranch, located on a rural property on 144th Avenue, at around 12:40 a.m..
One suspect gained entry to a workshop and were in the process of stealing tools when confronted by two employees of the ranch. During the confrontation, one of the employees allegedly discharged a shotgun, resulting in one of the suspects being injured.
Police arrested five men suspected in taking part in the break-in. The employee who discharged the shotgun was also taken into custody.
The injured man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“If employees, residents or property owners suspect thieves are on their property, the best thing to do is to immediately get to safety, then call 911,” said Supt. Dave Walsh, head of Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment.
“Don’t deal with the situation on your own. It should go without saying that this type of thing should be left to police.
“It is always dangerous when a firearm is involved in any crime, and this includes any citizen,” Walsh added. “Anytime a firearm is discharged, it poses a serious threat to the public, and police officers’ safety. ”
The suspected thieves, who all reside outside of Maple Ridge, range in age between 20 and 45 years old. The five men were held in police custody for a first court appearance later Tuesday.
The 46-year-old employee was released from custody pending charges.