RCMP in Vernon says some people had to be evacuated from their homes in the Mission Hill area of that city after a suspect in a Blind Bay stabbing was spotted on Monday afternoon.

“Front line officers who had been in the area on another unrelated matter, observed a man matching the description of Alexander Boucher, as he retreated inside a unit,” said Southeast District RCMP spokesperson Jesse O’Donaghey.

“RCMP set up an area of containment around the property and called upon the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team to assist.”

Boucher, a 36-year-old Enderby man is one of three people facing attempted murder charges following the stabbing on August 16. Also charged is 33-year-old Jordy Kyle Moyan, of Kelowna and 40-year-old Edmonton man Terrance Alan Jones. Moyan is in custody but Jones is still unaccounted for.

“As the team made its entry into the apartment, tactical ERT officers deployed a distraction device inside the suite. Once inside officers discovered that a fire had been sparked inside a storage room area,” O’Donaghey added. “Investigators believe the device utilized by the tactical team may have sparked some loose debris.”

He notes Vernon firefighters were able to contain the fire to the unit, and that the police dog team was also on hand during the incident.

“Vernon RCMP, who provided support to evacuees at the scene, wish to extend its appreciation for the patience and understanding of all those impacted by the unfolding situation,”added O’Donaghey.

O’Donaghey says police are continuing to look for both Boucher and Jones and are warning people to not approach either man and call 911 immediately.