1 suspect dead after active shooter alert at secondary school in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.: RCMP

insurance coverage of fighting(a) crap-shooter state of affairs in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Trent Enrst, publisher of local news outlet Tumbler Ridge Lines, said all roads to the school were blocked off when he went to find out what was going on this afternoon. 

He said rumours about what happened are already flying around the community, creating a lot of concern among parents in particular.

"People are definitely worried," he said. 

He got emotional as he described the community as a quiet and safe place, adding that people feel like it's a place where emergencies like this don't happen. 

"That's been shattered," he said. 

In a statement, the District of Tumbler Ridge said its community experienced a "deeply distressing incident" today and asked residents to rely on official updates from the RCMP and other authorities.

It added that the situation was still unfolding, as of 5:20 p.m. MT, and said additional supports were on their way to assist.

"In the days ahead, we know this will be difficult for many to process," the statement reads.

"Please check in on one another, lean on available supports, and know that Tumbler Ridge is a strong and caring community. We will get through this together."

I've visited the community multiple times and know it can sometimes be difficult to get cell service there. If you are in that situation, you can get a low-bandwith version of this live page on our website, cbc.ca/lite. 

You can also listen to our live radio programming in Tumbler Ridge at 92.7 FM.

Shortly after his comments to reporters, Neufeld said he’s been in touch with people from the area and that he would be on a plane back to Tumbler Ridge.

"We do understand that a few folks are out looking for loved ones," he said.

"Again, please, please go back to your homes and shelter in place and allow the amazing people of the RCMP to make this beautiful community safe again."

Speaking to reporters at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, Neufeld says it's been a challenging time for the "idyllic mountain community" of Tumbler Ridge.

The MLA said "excessive resources" in the form of police officers and ambulance support have been sent there.

"I can't stress this enough to the folks of Tumbler Ridge — please, please obey the stay-in-place and shelter order," he said.

Tumbler Ridge is one of the most distinct communities in B.C.

In the late 1970s the population rapidly boomed with the discovery of coal deposits in the area and it became a classic company town throughout the 1980s. A near-collapse followed in the 2000s when those mines shut down.

It was during this time that the community pivoted to tourism, marketing itself as the land of dinosaurs and waterfalls — a place where you can hike to see ancient footprints in the wilderness. The district municipality, which spans more than 1,550 square kilometres, is the site of one of Canada's geoparks, a UNESCO designation for areas of internationally significant geology, geography, or human history.

More recently, metallurgical coal mining returned and the tight-knit community has been expanding once again.

It's well known for exhibits and trails showcasing dinosaur bones and footprints, and other prehistoric life.

The spokesperson had no immediate word about patients.

Norbury said his team noticed "increased activity" near the high school and, soon after, received emergency alerts on their phones. They sheltered in place and watched as police vehicles and ambulances rushed by, heading to the school. 

"My wife just texted me that she is safe," Norbury said.

He said his daughter attends the nearby elementary school, which is locked down. 

"We're all just on lockdown, holding our breath just to find out what happened," he said. "Every single parent in the community is afraid for their loved ones."

"I don't have any details on the identity or the age or any of that information of the suspect at this time," he said.

He added that police often have reports of multiple shooters during chaotic situations like this, and they would not be discounting that information.

Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld said he has been in contact with the province's solicitor general to ensure local law enforcement have "all necessary provincial resources." 

In a statement, Neufeld said he's leaving Victoria immediately to travel to his riding "to support the community in any way needed."

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