A tense situation unfolded in Fernie on Thursday afternoon after RCMP received a report of an armed individual driving to the local hospital while making threats of self-harm.

According to the Elk Valley Regional RCMP, officers were alerted around midday on May 8, 2025, that a 48-year-old local man was en route to Fernie Hospital in possession of a firearm and threatening to shoot himself. The man is known to police.

RCMP officers immediately responded to the hospital, initiating a coordinated search for the individual. Based on further investigative information, a location along 2nd Avenue in Fernie was contained by officers from the Elk Valley RCMP, with support from the Southeast District Containment Team.

RCMP made contact with the man, who surrendered peacefully a short time later. He was apprehended under the Mental Health Act and taken to Fernie Hospital for evaluation. A subsequent search of the associated residence—conducted under Section 117 of the Criminal Code—found no firearms.

“The Elk Valley Regional RCMP are thankful to the public for responding positively and quickly to directions provided by officers on scene, which helped in the quick resolution of the event,” said S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen, Detachment Commander of the Elk Valley Regional RCMP.

RCMP officials confirmed that the City of Fernie was kept apprised throughout the incident and updated following the apprehension. Elk Valley RCMP and Fernie Hospital continue to collaborate on hospital safety planning and incident protocols.

“Elk Valley RCMP and Fernie Hospital continue to work together to ensure that the hospital has a safety plan in place for these types of situations, and regular discussions are held to ensure this process is upheld,” Nielsen added.

The RCMP say the investigation is ongoing in support of Fernie Hospital.