There is a heavy police response in a rural area of Maple Ridge on Friday afternoon, Nov. 8.
Witnesses report seeing police descend on the Thornhill area, near 98 Avenue and Spilsbury Street, at approximately 3 p.m.
There are numerous officers and vehicles converging on one property, including members in camouflage gear who appear to be members of the police tactical Emergency Response Team (ERT).
An eyewitness told The News that tools and other items, including electrical transformers, have been stolen from area mills. An item or items have allegedly been tracked to a property in the area electronically.
Some area residents used their vehicles to block the escape of suspects until police could arrive at the scene, the witness said. He wished to remain anonymous.
A police armoured vehicle was seen en route travelling through Maple Ridge, along with numerous other police vehicles, both marked and unmarked.
Police have a portion of 98 Avenue closed to traffic, have told area residents to shelter in place, and are using a drone at the scene.
More details as they become available.
