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Banff RCMP respond to hostage hoax

BANFF – Banff RCMP surrounded a local hostel on Tuesday (Dec. 11) after reports of a shooting and people taken hostage inside only to later discover the incident was a hoax.
RCMP

BANFF – Banff RCMP surrounded a local hostel on Tuesday (Dec. 11) after reports of a shooting and people taken hostage inside only to later discover the incident was a hoax.

According to a press release, Banff RCMP received information that a man shot another person at the Banff International Hostel and had taken hostages.

The suspect also made threats to shoot other hostages and blow up the hostel. As a result, local officers and other resources responded, established containment of the scene at 449 Banff Ave. and made contact with the suspect by phone.

However, it was eventually determined the threats were a hoax and the phone call originated from outside Canada through a voice over internet protocol system.

"False reports of critical incidents are a waste of police resources and create the potential for danger as police execute an urgent response and prepare for tactical considerations," said Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr.

"The members of Banff and Canmore detachments who reacted to this event should be praised for their measured response and their thorough investigation."

The Banff General Investigation Section is investigating the incident.

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