RCMP say 5 arrested after Alert Ready notice in Moncton area

RCMP arrested five people near Long Creek following an Alert Ready message for an armed 15-year-old. (CBC - image credit)
RCMP arrested five people near Long Creek following an Alert Ready message for an armed 15-year-old. (CBC - image credit)

New Brunswick RCMP say the 15-year-old who was the subject of an emergency alert in the Moncton area has been taken into custody, along with four other individuals.

Police initially said the teen was armed with a handgun and was believed to have "dangerous intent."

RCMP went to Moncton High School at approximately 1 p.m. because of reports of an individual brandishing a firearm, a news release issued late Friday afternoon said.

Police identified a 15-year-old subject who was gone by the time police arrived at the school, said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Hans Ouellete in an interview.

The release said police issued an Alert Ready at 2:48 p.m. for the suspect, who was believed to be travelling in a grey Dodge Caravan in the Moncton area. Police warned the public not to approach if they encountered the suspect.

Around 3:45 p.m., police said five individuals were located and arrested near Long Creek and Codys, which are both approximately 100 kilometres west of Moncton High School.

The release said one of those arrested was the 15-year-old who was the subject of the Alert Ready, but Ouellette said he was unable to confirm ages of the other four people arrested, and said he could not provide any information beyond what was in the release at this time.

The vehicle involved was seized and the alert ready was soon ended, the release said.

As part of the RCMP investigation, people can expect an increased police presence around Long Creek and Codys, the release said.

RCMP are asking anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact them.

It was the third emergency alert the RCMP has issued in New Brunswick since the start of September.