Firearms charge laid after Pincher Creek emergency that shut town to the public

Gunshotsin Pincher Creekthat prompted officials to warn the public to stay away from the Alberta town, close schools and municipal buildingsand even send in an RCMParmoured vehiclehave led to a chargeagainst a manfor the careless use of a firearm.

The RCMP's emergency response team and a negotiator, as well as RCMP from surrounding communities, were called in to respond to what was described as a"dangerous"emergency situationWednesday in the town of about 3,600 residents about 215 kilometres southwest of Calgary.

• Man arrested after shots fired at 2 RCMP officers in Pincher Creek

It started with reports of shots firedaround 4:40 a.m. CT.

When two officers arrived at a homein response, they were shot at, police said Wednesday.

Schools, municipal buildings and some roads were shut down as police investigated.

The public was warned to stay away from the town.

Large police response

Twelve RCMP officers from Pincher Creekand neighbouring detachments responded after the gunshots, as did thesouthern Alberta Emergency Response Teambased out of Calgary. An RCMP helicopterfrom Edmonton also assisted, said Cpl. Curtis Peters.

"Initially, the call [came] in of persons reporting gunshots in a residence," Peters said. "When members went to first check that out and then they were greeted by further gunshots that resulted in the deployment of the members from nearby detachments. They held the scene and ensured the public's safety while the emergency response team rolled in."

No one was hurt.

By early afternoon, a man had beentaken into custody without injury. Authorities said he was known to them.

Twoother peopleliving in the basementwere safely removed from the house, RCMP said.

Dewey (Todd)Starzyk, 53, is charged with the careless use of a firearm as well as failing to comply with the conditions of a recognizance.

Starzykhasprevious firearms-related charges against him and was set to go to trial for those alleged offences next month.

He is in custody and will appear in court in Pincher Creek on Tuesday